Get Your EITC: Up to $8,000 in Free Tax Money (and How to File Free)
If you work and earn a low-to-moderate income, there may be thousands of dollars in tax money with your name on it, and about one in five eligible workers never claim it. The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is one of the country's largest anti-poverty programs, and because it is refundable, you get it as cash back even if you owe no tax at all. The average was $2,916 for tax year 2024, and it runs up to $8,046 for a family with three or more kids. Here is how to get it, for free.
What the EITC is (and why it's real money, not a gimmick)
Most tax credits only reduce what you owe down to zero. The EITC is different: it is refundable, meaning if the credit is larger than your tax bill, the IRS sends you the difference as a refund. So a working parent who owes little or no tax can still receive thousands of dollars back. This is straight from the IRS, not a promotion.
Do you qualify?
You need earned income from a job or self-employment, and your income has to fall under the limit for your family size, up to roughly $68,675 for a married couple with three or more children on 2025 returns. Many people qualify without realizing it: part-time and seasonal workers, gig workers, young workers, and caregivers. Check in a few minutes with the free IRS EITC Assistant at irs.gov/eitc. It does not ask for your name, Social Security number, or bank details.
How to actually get the money (for free)
There is only one way to claim it: file a federal tax return, even if you normally do not have to file. You do not need to pay a preparer. Two free routes:
- IRS Free File at irs.gov/freefile, guided software for eligible incomes.
- VITA, free in-person help from IRS-certified volunteers. Find a site through the IRS or by calling 2-1-1. They will check your EITC eligibility and e-file for you at no cost.
Missed it in a past year? You have up to three years to file and still claim it, so a prior-year return could put money in your pocket now.
A quick scam warning
No one legitimate texts or calls to "approve" your EITC for a fee. The credit is claimed only by filing your return through free IRS channels or a preparer you choose. If someone asks for payment or your bank login to "release" your refund, walk away, and see how to spot free-money scams.
When your refund lands, make it work
A lump sum like an EITC refund is a rare chance to get ahead. Rather than let it evaporate, use it to knock out a high-interest bill or build a starter emergency fund. Our free budget tool and emergency fund guide show you how to make it stretch.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the EITC worth?
The Earned Income Tax Credit averaged $2,916 for tax year 2024 and is worth up to $8,046 for a family with three or more qualifying children on 2025 returns. It is refundable, so you receive it as cash back even if you owe no income tax.
Who qualifies for the EITC?
Low-to-moderate income workers with earned income. The income limits depend on your filing status and number of children, reaching roughly $68,675 for a married couple with three or more kids. You must have worked and must file a tax return to claim it, even if you normally would not file.
How do I claim the EITC for free?
File a federal tax return and claim the credit. You can file free through IRS Free File or get free in-person help from an IRS-certified VITA volunteer. Use the free IRS EITC Assistant to check eligibility first. You can also claim it for up to three prior years if you missed it.
Is the EITC a loan or something I pay back?
No. The EITC is a refundable tax credit, not a loan. It is money the government pays working people, and you never repay it.
See every source of money you may be owed
The free checklist walks you through the EITC, unclaimed money, and benefits, with direct links to each official free tool. No email needed.
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