<P> The United States federal earned income tax credit or earned income credit ( EITC or EIC ) is a refundable tax credit for low - to moderate - income working individuals and couples , particularly those with children . The amount of EITC benefit depends on a recipient 's income and number of children . For a person or couple to claim one or more persons as their qualifying child , requirements such as relationship , age , and shared residency must be met . In the 2013 tax year , working families , if they have children , with annual incomes below $37,870 to $51,567 ( depending on the number of dependent children ) may be eligible for the federal EITC . Childless workers that have incomes below about $14,340 ( $19,680 for a married couple ) can receive a very small EITC benefit . U.S. tax forms 1040EZ , 1040A , or 1040 can be used to claim EITC without qualifying children . To claim the credit with qualifying children , forms 1040A or 1040 must be used along with Schedule EITC attached . </P>
<P> The United States federal earned income tax credit or earned income credit ( EITC or EIC ) is a refundable tax credit for low - to moderate - income working individuals and couples , particularly those with children . The amount of EITC benefit depends on a recipient 's income and number of children . For a person or couple to claim one or more persons as their qualifying child , requirements such as relationship , age , and shared residency must be met . In the 2013 tax year , working families , if they have children , with annual incomes below $37,870 to $51,567 ( depending on the number of dependent children ) may be eligible for the federal EITC . Childless workers that have incomes below about $14,340 ( $19,680 for a married couple ) can receive a very small EITC benefit . U.S. tax forms 1040EZ , 1040A , or 1040 can be used to claim EITC without qualifying children . To claim the credit with qualifying children , forms 1040A or 1040 must be used along with Schedule EITC attached . </P>
what is the purpose of the earned income tax credit
what is the purpose of the earned income tax credit
a refundable tax credit for low - to moderate - income working individuals and couples , particularly those with children
a refundable tax credit for low - to moderate - income working individuals and couples , particularly those with children