How to Claim Earned Income Tax Credit

The Earned Income Tax credit was designed to help lower economic individual and families get larger income tax refunds from the federal government. Those who qualify for this tax credit usually see a large increase in their refund over what they have seen in the past

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• W2 form from employer
• Tax forms (1040 or 1040EZ)
• List of qualifications for Earned Income Tax Credit

1. Determine if you are eligible for this tax credit by reviewing the IRS guidelines. Those who qualify must meet the following criteria: Have a valid Social Security Number, Earned income during the tax year, file status other than married filing separately, legal US citizen or resident alien, cannot be considered a qualifying child of another tax payer. Those who do not have a qualifying child must be at least age 25 but under 65 at the end of the year.

2. Check the appropriate box on your federal tax form. This is line 66a on the 2007 1040 Federal Form.

3. Sign and Date federal income tax form.

4. Mail or file federal income tax form electronically to receive refund.

Tips & Warnings

• The amount of credit you receive depends on the amount of money made during the tax year.
• Failure to properly complete form or lying on a federal income tax form can result in legal charges being brought against the taxpayer.

Resources

• Internal Revenue Service