To claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), you must qualify and file a federal tax return. Your Refund If you claim the EITC, your refund may be delayed. By law, we can't issue your refund before mid-February — even the portion of the refund not associated with the EITC. After you file your return, the best way to track your refund is Where's My Refund? or the IRS2Go mobile app. To get your refund faster, file your taxes online and have your refund sent to you through direct deposit. E-file your return for free – use IRS Free File or fillable forms More e-file options Be sure to include the Schedule EIC if you’re claiming the EITC with a qualifying child. Errors on your return will delay your refund. Avoid these common errors. Forms to File You must file Form 1040, US Individual Income Tax Return or Form 1040 SR, U.S. Tax Return for Seniors. If you have a qualifying child, you must also file the Schedule EIC (Form 1040 or 1040-SR), Earned Income Credit to give us information about them. Claim the EITC for Prior Years If you were eligible, you can still claim the EITC for prior years: For 2016, if you file your tax return by July 15, 2020 For 2017, if you file your tax return by April 15, 2021 For 2018, if you file your tax return by April 15, 2022 To find out if you were eligible, use the EITC Qualification Assistant. To file a prior year tax return: Complete: Form 1040 for tax year 2018 PDF Form 1040 for tax year 2017 PDF Form 1040 for tax year 2016 PDF If you have a qualifying child, also complete: Schedule EIC for tax year 2018 PDF Schedule EIC for tax year 2017 PDF Schedule EIC for tax year 2016 PDF If you filed a tax return for those years, but didn’t claim the EITC and you were eligible, file an amended return. See Tax Topic 308, Amended Returns. Tax Help If you need help preparing your return, try one of these options: Get free help from Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) centers Hire a tax professional Find out how to work with a tax professional. Other Credits You May Qualify For If you qualify for the EITC, you may also qualify for other tax credits. Child Tax Credit and the Credit for Other Dependents Child and Dependent Care Credit Education Credits Resources What to Do If We Denied Your EITC in the Past What to Do if We Audit Your Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Claim Find out what you need to bring to your preparer
