Federal and State Tax Credits can add up to $7,830 in EITC Refund
If you worked at all in the past year, you have the opportunity to have your federal and state taxes e-filed for free. You might also qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), which can significantly boost your tax refund. For the 2024 tax year, the maximum EITC is $7,830, available to families with three or more qualifying children, as long as your earnings are under $59,899 for single filers and heads of households, or $66,819 for married couples filing jointly. This is why I’m excited that the Erie County Clerk’s Office is actively promoting United Way’s MyFreeTaxes program.
Working in partnership with the IRS’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, MyFreeTaxes empowers you to prepare your tax returns easily on your own or allows you to have your taxes prepared for you—completely free of charge. This initiative is essential for low and moderate-income individuals and families, helping them unlock critical tax credits and access other benefit programs. Don’t hesitate to let VITA guide you through the often-overwhelming process of tax preparation, and ensure you reap the full benefits of the Earned Income Tax Credits available to you.
If you are not familiar with the Earned Income Tax Credit, here is some basic information.
The EITC is a federal tax benefit was created by the federal government in 1975 to benefit low-income and working families in an effort to reduce poverty and grow the economy. It is a refundable credit based upon your earned (W-2) income and it usually increases as you add qualified dependents.
Additionally, if you didn’t claim the earned income credit when you filed your taxes in the last three years but think you qualified for it, the IRS encourages you to file an amended tax return so you can get that money back.
To qualify for the EITC, you must meet the basic qualifying rules which include:
- Have worked and earned income under $59,899
- Have investment income below $11,600 in the tax year 2024
- Have a valid Social Security number by the due date of your 2024 return (including extensions)
- Be a U.S. citizen or a resident alien all year
- Not file Form 2555 (related to foreign earned income)
2024 Earned Income Tax Credit Requirements:
| Number of Children |
Single Maximum Income |
Married Filing Jointly Maximum Income |
Maximum EITC |
| No children | $18,591 | $25,511 | $632 |
| 1 child | $49,084 | $56,004 | $4,213 |
| 2 children | $55,798 | $62,688 | $6,960 |
| 3 or more children | $59,899 | $66,819 | $7,830 |
The IRS estimates that four out of five workers claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), meaning millions of taxpayers are making the most of this valuable financial resource. Last year alone, around 23 million eligible workers and families received nearly $64 billion in EITC. Nationwide, the average amount claimed was $2,743, while in New York State, it was $2,615. These EITC dollars have a profound impact on the lives of our nation’s most vulnerable working individuals and families who are striving to make ends meet.
If you think you might qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit, I strongly encourage you to take action and have your tax return prepared through the IRS’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs before the electronic filing deadline of April 15, 2025. Call 2-1-1 to find a free tax preparation site near you or visit myfreetaxes.com to begin the process online. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to maximize your refund—every dollar counts.