Inflation continues to impact millions of Americans, especially low-income households. To provide financial relief, the government offers the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), a valuable tax break that can reduce federal taxes or provide a refund.
If you’re eligible and file your return early, you may be wondering when to expect your direct deposit. Here’s everything you need to know about the EITC, refund timelines, and qualification requirements.
Table of Contents
Refund timeline
If you claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) and filed your tax return online with direct deposit, the IRS expects to issue your refund by March 3, 2025, as long as there are no errors or delays in processing.
To track the status of your refund, the IRS recommends using the ‘Where’s My Refund?’ tool, which provides real-time updates on the processing of your return.
eligibility requirements
To qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit in the 2025 tax year, you must meet specific income and filing criteria.
Income limits
Your earned income must be below $68,675, and investment income cannot exceed $11,950. Additionally, you must have a valid Social Security number before the tax return due date, including any extensions.
The following are the maximum income limits based on your filing status and number of qualifying children:
For single
| Number of Children | Maximum Income |
|---|---|
| No children | $19,104 |
| 1 child | $50,434 |
| 2 children | $57,310 |
| 3+ children | $61,555 |
For married filing jointly
| Number of Children | Maximum Income |
|---|---|
| No children | $26,214 |
| 1 child | $57,554 |
| 2 children | $64,430 |
| 3+ children | $68,675 |
amounts
The amount you receive depends on the number of qualifying children in your household. Below are the maximum credits available for 2025:
| Number of Children | Maximum Credit |
|---|---|
| No children | $649 |
| 1 child | $4,328 |
| 2 children | $7,152 |
| 3+ children | $8,046 |
How to claim
To receive the EITC, you must file a tax return even if you don’t owe taxes. Workers should use Form 1040 or Form 1040-SR (for seniors) and claim the credit on their return.
For the fastest refund, the IRS recommends filing electronically and choosing direct deposit as the refund method. Filing early can help you get your money sooner, but keep in mind that EITC refunds will not be issued before March 3, 2025, due to IRS regulations.
The Earned Income Tax Credit provides essential financial support to millions of working families, helping to reduce tax burdens and boost household income. If you think you qualify, be sure to file your tax return on time and take advantage of this important benefit.
FAQs
When will I get my EITC refund?
If you filed online with direct deposit, you can expect your refund by March 3, 2025, unless there are delays.
Who qualifies for the EITC?
Low-to-moderate income workers who meet income limits and have a valid Social Security number qualify for the EITC.
How do I check my refund status?
Use the IRS ‘Where’s My Refund?’ tool to track the status of your refund.
Can I claim the EITC without children?
Yes, but the credit amount is lower. The maximum credit for taxpayers without children is $649.
What tax form do I need to file for the EITC?
You need to file Form 1040 or Form 1040-SR and claim the credit on your return.
