Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Calculator United States

What the EITC calculator does

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) calculator estimates the federal credit available to low and moderate income workers. The EITC is one of the largest anti-poverty programs in the United States, and because it is refundable, it can produce a refund even when no tax is owed. The tool takes your earned income, adjusted gross income, filing status and number of qualifying children and applies the current credit structure.

The credit grows as earned income rises, holds at a maximum over a range of income, and then falls as income climbs further. The calculator shows where you are on that path.

How the EITC is calculated

• Phase-in: for each dollar of earned income, the credit grows at a set rate until it reaches the maximum for your family size.
• Maximum credit: once earned income is high enough, the credit levels off at the maximum for your number of qualifying children.
• Phase-out: above a threshold that depends on your filing status, the credit is reduced at a set rate for each additional dollar of income, until it reaches zero.

The calculator takes the smaller of the phase-in amount and the maximum, then subtracts the phase-out reduction based on the greater of your earned income and your adjusted gross income, which is how the credit is determined. Someone with investment or other income above their wages is therefore measured against the larger figure.

Why qualifying children matter

The number of qualifying children has the largest effect on the credit. Both the maximum and the phase-out income rise with each child up to three or more. A worker with no children can still qualify, but the maximum is far smaller and the phase-out begins at a much lower income.

A qualifying child must meet tests for relationship, age, residency and joint return, so not every dependent counts. Choose from zero to three or more children to see how each changes the maximum and the phase-out range.

Filing status and the phase-out

Married couples filing jointly have a higher phase-out threshold than single or head of household filers, so the credit extends to a higher income. The calculator applies this adjustment when you select married filing jointly. Near the top of the range, a couple filing jointly may still get a partial credit while a single filer with the same income and family size gets none.

The investment income limit

If your investment income, such as interest, dividends and certain capital gains, exceeds the annual limit, you cannot claim the credit at all, however modest your earned income. When the investment income you enter is above the limit, the estimate drops to zero. The limit is fairly low, so a modest taxable brokerage account or a year with sizable capital gains can exceed it; enter your investment income if you have any.

What you need to enter

• Your earned income from wages and self-employment.
• Your adjusted gross income.
• Your filing status.
• Your number of qualifying children.
• Your investment income, if any.

If your earned income and adjusted gross income differ, enter both, since the credit uses earned income for the phase-in and the higher of the two for the phase-out.

Reading your result

The output shows the estimated EITC, the maximum credit for your family size, the credit before phase-out, the phase-out reduction, and the income at which the phase-out begins.

Your actual EITC can differ because of eligibility rules such as the qualifying child tests, residency and a valid Social Security number. Treat the result as a planning figure and confirm eligibility and the final amount when you file or with a tax professional.

This is general information only and not tax advice.

About This EITC Calculator

Use this EITC calculator to get an instant, accurate estimate. The figures follow official IRS guidance and every rate and threshold is kept up to date for 2026. Adjust the inputs above to match your situation, or browse all our calculators to plan your next step.