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Home Finance Taxes What is Earned Income Credit (EIC)?
What is Earned Income Credit (EIC)? PDF Print E-mail
Written by William Blake   
Thursday, 25 December 2008 10:29
In the world of taxes, tax credits help taxpayers to lower their tax bill. One such credit is the Earned Income Credit, or EIC. This credit was instituted as a way to help low income wage earners to rise above their circumstances.
by WilliamBlake


In the world of taxes, tax credits help taxpayers to lower their tax bill. One such credit is the Earned Income Credit, or EIC. This credit was instituted as a way to help low income wage earners to rise above their circumstances.

Set up in the year 1975, the concept behind the earned income credit was that since poor workers were having to pay so much in income taxes that they could never hope to move up the financial ladder they needed to be able to pay less taxes. By means of the EIC, low income families are given back a large amount of the money that has been deducted from their pay because of taxes throughout the year.

The amount of the earned income credit has increased over the years. Those who fought for the tax credit agree that it is a better way to help people living in poverty than trying to raise the minimum wage. People that receive the tax credit sow that money back into the economies of their neighborhoods where it helps everyone.

There are three types of EIC eligible incomes. The first is money that is earned at a job. This money would include any wages earned by means of tips. If you are given a bonus by your employer, it can also be counted towards the earned income credit.

Self-employed earnings are also eligible for the earned income credit. If you own your own business but the money you earn with it is not enough to sufficiently care for your family, you may be able to receive the EIC. Any and everything your business earns can be counted.

Lastly, money made by someone under your care is considered. Teenagers have weekend and/or summer jobs. The money may not be enough for them to file a return of their own, but it is added to what their parents earn. Together, the income determines the amount of the earned income tax credit you qualify to receive.

The IRS also counts any income from investments as income earned. If you have money made from investments or drew unemployment for a time during the year, this will affect your chances of receiving the earned income credit. Investment money earned which is over $2,800 can disqualify a taxpayer from the earned income credit.

Sadly, many tax filers are not even aware that they qualify for the earned income credit. Many people think they don't qualify or just are not aware of the EIC. Some people do not earn enough to have to file their taxes, but still qualify for the EIC. Be sure to check into the EIC so that you don't miss out on this opportunity.

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