Tax creditInternal Revenue ServiceIncome-based
Earned Income Tax Credit
A refundable tax credit for people who work and earn under the income cap. Many filers get a refund even if they owe $0 in tax. You claim it by filing — there is no separate grant portal.
Typical award
Hundreds to several thousand dollars
Time to apply
Tax return
Ease
Easy apply
Why this is (relatively) easy
If you qualify, the IRS pays it. No essay. Free help exists at VITA sites.
Who usually qualifies
- Earned income from a job or self-employment
- Income and filing status within IRS limits for the tax year
- Valid SSN; extra rules if you have qualifying children
What to have ready
- W-2 or self-employment records
- Child SSNs if claiming kids
Steps
- 1
File a federal tax return. You must file even if you owe nothing.
- 2
Use IRS Free File, a VITA clinic, or trusted software — never pay someone who 'guarantees' a grant.
- 3
The credit is paid with your refund.
Deadline: Claim on your federal return; you can still file prior-year claims. Official program page