The EITC is a tax credit for qualifying families, noncustodial parents, and individuals who work full time or part time or are self-employed. There are federal, state, and New York City versions of the EITC.
- File your 2024 tax return by April 15, 2025 to claim this credit.
- On average, most eligible New Yorkers receive $2,300 in combined EITC credits. The combined credit can be worth up to $11,000.
Who is eligible
Federal EITC qualifications
- You have a valid Social Security Number.
- Your income, marital, and parental status in 2024 were one of these.
- Married with qualifying children and earning up to $66,819
- Married with no qualifying children and earning up to $25,511
- Single with qualifying children and earning up to $59,899
- Single with no qualifying children and earning up to $18,591
- You have qualifying children include biological children, stepchildren, foster children, and grandchildren.
- If you have no children, the EITC is only available to filers between ages 25 and 64.
- Married filing separate: A spouse who is not filing a joint return may claim the EITC if:
- you had a qualifying child who lived with you for more than half of the year; and
- you were legally separated according to state law at the end of 2024 or you lived apart from your spouse for the last 6 months of 2024.
- You had investment income of less than $11,600 in 2024.
*If you’re still unsure if you qualify, the IRS has a calculator that can tell you if you qualify.
New York State EITC qualifications
- you did not claim the Noncustodial parent earned income credit, and
- you qualified for and claimed the federal EITC.
New York City EITC qualifications
- were a full-year or part-year New York City resident, and
- claimed the federal earned income credit.
What you need to apply
See a list of documents you’ll need to file your taxes and claim the EITC.
How to apply
File your federal taxes for free with getyourrefund.org to claim the federal EITC. You’ll also need to file your state tax refund separately to get the New York State and City EITC.
If filing your taxes by mail, you will need these forms:
- Form 1040 or Form 1040NR for the federal EITC
- Schedule EIC for the federal return, if you have a child
- Form IT-215 for the New York State credit
- Worksheet C in the Instructions Form for IT-215 for the New York City credit
You can also get free tax filing help through NYC Free Tax Prep services.
How to get help
- Learn more about tax credits you can claim.
- Call 800-906-9887 to find the nearest Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) or Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE).
Other Cash & Expenses Programs
Child Tax Credit (CTC)
NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP); Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Tax credit for families with children
Families can claim this tax credit worth up to $2,000 for each qualifying child under 17 years old.
Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit
NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP); Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Tax refund if you paid for child and dependent care
Get money back if you paid for childcare or adult dependent care while working or looking for work.
Cash Assistance
NYC Human Resources Administration (HRA)
Monthly cash help when you are in need
Cash assistance can help you pay rent, utilities, and other emergency expenses.
Updated February 10, 2025