Frequently asked questions about the Earned Income Tax Credit
How to claim it, how much you could get, and more
What would you do with an extra $6,000? Every dollar counts when the price of groceries, rent, utilities, and child care keeps going up. That’s why you should check to see if the government owes you thousands.
Tens of thousands of people in Connecticut have qualified Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and don’t know it. You could be one of them!
The EITC is designed to put money back into your pocket. Unfortunately, it’s not automatically sent to you – you can’t get what you’re owed unless you claim it.
We’ve been talking to thousands of hardworking people around the state about the EITC. Here are some of the most common questions we’ve heard:
Do I qualify?
Qualifying depends on a few things, like your income, your age, and if you have children. You must have an income of at least $1. Take our quiz to see if you could be eligible for the EITC.
How much money will I get back?
It depends on your income and if you have children. Some households can see nearly $20,000 a year from the federal and state EITC. According to the IRS, the average Connecticut EITC filer got back $2,482 last year.
Why do I have to apply?
The government unfortunately isn’t going to give you the money you’re owed unless you apply for it. And you have to claim it every year that you qualify to avoid missing out. “Why” is a good question for the IRS. But our partners at SimplifyCT can help you with the process.
Do you have to have children?
No, although you could get more money back if you have children. The EITC is also separate from the Child Tax Credit. Our blog goes into more details about the differences between the two.
What types of income count?
Money you get from working for a business, owning your own business, earning tips, doing freelance work, performing gig work, and more count. We have a blog explaining more about what counts as “earned income.”
Do you have to pay it back?
The EITC is not a loan. It is money the government owes you.
What if I’ve already filed my returns? Can I still claim it?
You can amend your past returns to claim the EITC. Our partners at SimplifyCT can help you claim the money you’re owed.
What happens to my benefits if I claim the EITC?
Claiming the EITC will not hurt your benefits. You won’t lose SNAP, WIC, TANF, HUSKY, CHIP, or Medicaid.
When will I get the money?
It depends. Your refund will likely show up in your bank account a little later than usual, because the IRS will review your claim. This is routine with all returns that claim the EITC. Having a trusted source like SimplifyCT file your tax return reduces the chance that you’ll be audited.
You can track your refund through the IRS’s online tool.
Do you have to be a U.S. citizen?
You can qualify for the EITC even if you’re not a U.S. citizen. You will need to be a U.S. resident and have a Social Security Number. You may also qualify if you aren’t a citizen and don’t have a Social Security Number, but your spouse is.
Note: Residents of Puerto Rico who file federal tax returns are not eligible for the EITC, even though you pay federal taxes – but people who have moved to Connecticut from Puerto Rico can be eligible. You become eligible once you’re considered a “bona fide” Connecticut resident.
Did politicians get rid of it?
No. There are two versions of the EITC – a federal one, and a Connecticut one. Both remain in place.
How do I know it’s not a scam?
The federal EITC has been around since 1975. Connecticut approved its own version in 2011. It’s a proven program that has helped low-income people receive the money that they’re owed.
But it is good to beware of scammers impersonating the IRS to steal your personal or financial information. They can also try and charge you large fees in exchange for a fake refund. The IRS has more information on common tax scams and how to stay safe.
You can avoid scammers by filing for free at safe Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites, including our partners at SimplifyCT.