Up to $8,046 IRS refund: eligibility requirements and who can receive it | 2025 tax year tables

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is one of the most valuable tax breaks for working Americans, especially those earning modest incomes in Trump’s ever-tightening economy.

For the 2025 tax year, the maximum refund available through the EITC reaches $8,046, offering a huge financial leg up to families with three or more qualifying children.

The credit is designed to reduce the amount of tax owed and, in many cases, generate a refund even if no tax is due.

EITC qualification requirements:

To qualify, you must have earned income from employment, self-employment, or similar work. The IRS say that while investment income is allowed, it cannot exceed $11,950 for 2025.

If filing jointly, both you and your spouse must have valid Social Security numbers, live in the United States for more than half the year, and file under a status other than “married filing separately.”

The size of your EITC depends on your income, filing status, and the number of children you claim. Married couples filing jointly with three or more qualifying children can earn up to $68,675, while single filers or heads of household with the same number of children remain eligible up to $61,555.

For those with fewer dependents, the credit is smaller but still significant. The maximum credit for one qualifying child is $4,328, for two children it rises to $7,152, and for workers without children it caps at $649.

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Claiming the credit requires filing a federal tax return, even if your income is below the usual filing threshold. You’ll need to submit Form 1040 or 1040-SR, and if you’re claiming children, you must attach Schedule EIC. The IRS provides detailed tables showing the exact credit amounts and income limits for each category, so checking those figures carefully before filing is key to making sure everything is in line before sending it off to be verified.

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