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Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Calculator

This estimator provides a transparent, explainable estimate of the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) using user-provided income, filing status, and qualifying child counts. It is meant for planning and education, not as a substitute for filing a tax return.

Thresholds, rates, and disqualification rules change annually. This tool uses illustrative thresholds and common calculation logic; always verify with official IRS publications for the tax year you are filing.

Updated Nov 1, 2025

Piecewise estimate of EITC based on earned income, filing status, number of qualifying children, and basic disqualification rules (investment income, SSN, residency, filing status). Thresholds and rates are illustrative and must be verified against IRS tables for the filing year.

Inputs

Results

Updates as you type

Estimated EITC

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Maximum credit for family size (illustrative)

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Earned portion (phase-in)

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Phase-out reduction

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Disqualified (1 = yes, 0 = no)

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OutputValueUnit
Estimated EITC—USD
Maximum credit for family size (illustrative)—USD
Earned portion (phase-in)—USD
Phase-out reduction—USD
Disqualified (1 = yes, 0 = no)——
Primary result—

Visualization

Methodology

The calculator models the EITC as a three-stage piecewise process: a phase-in (credit increases with earned income at a fixed rate up to a maximum), a plateau (where the credit is at the maximum), and a phase-out (credit reduces as income exceeds a threshold).

Basic disqualifiers are applied: investment income above the illustrative threshold, lack of valid Social Security numbers, nonresidency, and filing as married filing separately — any of these will result in an estimated credit of zero.

Results are computed deterministically from inputs. For traceability and auditability we surface intermediate values: maximum credit for family size, earned portion, and phase-out reduction.

Worked examples

Example: Single filer, one qualifying child, earned income $18,000, AGI $18,000 — earned portion is computed by phase_in_rate × income, then reduced by phaseout if income exceeds phase_out_start. The estimator reports the intermediate values alongside final estimate.

Example: Married filing jointly with two qualifying children, earned income $30,000 — the estimator applies the married filing threshold adjustment when computing the phase-out start.

Key takeaways

This estimator provides an explainable estimate of EITC using piecewise arithmetic and clear intermediate values. It intentionally surfaces assumptions and intermediate calculations so users can validate and cross-check with official IRS tables.

For official filing, always use the IRS rules, tables, and publications for the exact tax year and consider professional tax assistance if your situation is complex.

Expert Q&A

Is this an official IRS calculation?

No. This estimator uses illustrative thresholds and logic for transparency. Use IRS-provided tables and forms for filing. Always confirm amounts with official IRS guidance for the tax year in question.

Why does the tool sometimes report zero credit?

A zero estimate can arise because the preliminary calculation falls to zero after phase-out, or because a disqualification condition applies (excess investment income, missing SSNs, nonresidency, or filing separately when that disqualifies).

How accurate is this estimator?

The estimator uses deterministic arithmetic and conservative checks but relies on illustrative thresholds. It is intended for planning; for filing use IRS publications and, if needed, a professional preparer. See accuracy caveats in citations.

How often are thresholds and rates updated?

EITC thresholds and maximum credit amounts are typically updated annually for inflation and legislative changes. Update the tax year field and verify with official IRS tables for each filing year.

Sources & citations