What this calculator does
The earned income tax credit (EITC) is a refundable federal tax credit for people who work and have low to moderate income: you can get it even if you owe no tax. Enter your filing status, number of qualifying children and income, and the calculator estimates your 2026 credit and shows where the credit starts to go down and where it ends.
2026 amounts
| Qualifying children | Maximum credit | No credit from (single, head of household) | No credit from (married filing jointly) |
|---|---|---|---|
| None | $664 | $19,540 | $26,820 |
| One | $4,427 | $51,593 | $58,863 |
| Two | $7,316 | $58,629 | $65,899 |
| Three or more | $8,231 | $62,974 | $70,244 |
No one can claim the credit if investment income for 2026 is more than $12,200 (IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-32).
How it is worked out
The credit grows with earned income (by 7.65%, 34%, 40% or 45% of earnings, depending on the number of children) until it reaches the maximum, stays there, and then goes down by 7.65%, 15.98% or 21.06% of income above the phase-out threshold. Example: a single parent with two children earning $30,000 is $6,110 above the $23,890 threshold, so the $7,316 maximum is reduced by about $1,287 to about $6,029.
Who can claim it
- You need earned income from a job or self-employment, and you, your spouse and each qualifying child need a Social Security number valid for work.
- Without a qualifying child, you (or your spouse) must be at least 25 and under 65.
- A qualifying child must meet the relationship, age and residency tests, generally living with you in the U.S. for more than half the year (IRS EITC).
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum EITC for 2026?
$664 with no qualifying children, $4,427 with one, $7,316 with two and $8,231 with three or more.
Can I get the EITC without children?
Yes, if you are 25 to 64, earn less than $19,540 ($26,820 married filing jointly) in 2026 and meet the other rules. The maximum is $664.
When will I get an EITC refund?
By law the IRS cannot issue refunds that include the EITC before mid-February. Our tax refund date estimator shows the typical dates.
Is there free help to claim the EITC?
Yes. IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites prepare returns for free for people who qualify.
Is my information saved?
No. The numbers stay on this page.