Working individuals and families that earned $49,078 or less in 2011 may qualify for a refundable tax credit, the Earned Income Tax Credit.
Anyone who meets the above income guidelines for wages, self-employment or farming can see if they qualify for the tax credit, said IRS spokesman Mark Green. They must file a tax return and claim the Earned Income Tax Credit, he said.
Because the tax credit is refundable, the taxpayer will receive a refund, even if they had no taxes withheld. To determine if they meet the requirements, tax payers can visit www.IRS.gov and use the EITC assistant.
The Earned Income Tax Credit is different based on income and family size. For the 2011 tax year, the maximum credit amounts are:
–$464 with no qualifying children
–$3,094 with one qualifying child
–$5,112 with two qualifying children
–$5,751 with three or more qualifying children
Also for tax year 2011, the earned income and adjusted gross income must each be less than the following:
–$13,660 ($18,740 married filing jointly) with no qualifying children
–$36,052 ($41,132 married filing jointly) with one qualifying child
–$40,964 ($46,044 married filing jointly) with two qualifying children
–$43,998 ($49,078 married filing jointly) with three or more qualifying children
In most cases, the Earned Income Tax Credit has no effect on welfare benefits and will not be used to determine eligibility for Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), food stamps, low-income housing or most Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) payments.
