Earned Income Tax Credit Calculator (2026)
See how much earned income credit you could get, and where it phases out.
2026 earned income credit amounts
| Family | Maximum credit | Maximum credit reached at earned income of | Credit ends: single or head of household | Credit ends: married filing jointly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No qualifying children | $664 | $8,680 | $19,540 | $26,820 |
| One qualifying child | $4,427 | $13,020 | $51,593 | $58,863 |
| Two qualifying children | $7,316 | $18,290 | $58,629 | $65,899 |
| Three or more qualifying children | $8,231 | $18,290 | $62,974 | $70,244 |
Source: IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-32, section 4.06. The credit starts to phase out above $23,890 for single filers and $31,160 for joint filers with children, and above $10,860 and $18,140 with no children.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the earned income credit for 2026?
The maximum is $664 with no children, $4,427 with one child, $7,316 with two children and $8,231 with three or more (IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-32).
What is the income limit for the EITC?
It depends on your family. For one child the credit ends at $51,593 of income for single and head of household filers and $58,863 for married couples filing jointly. See the table for other sizes.
Is the earned income credit refundable?
Yes. If the credit is larger than the income tax you owe, you receive the difference as a refund.
Who can claim the credit without children?
Generally workers who are at least 25 and under 65 with earned income under the limit and who are not claimed as a dependent. Rules about residency, a valid Social Security number and filing status also apply.
Does investment income matter?
Yes. If your investment income (such as interest, dividends and capital gains) is more than $12,200 for 2026, you cannot claim the credit.
Why might my return show a slightly different amount?
The IRS tax tables give the credit in $50 income steps, while this calculator uses the exact formula, so the numbers can differ by a few dollars.
Estimate only. The credit has many eligibility rules, including who counts as a qualifying child and your residency and filing status. Check IRS guidance or talk to a tax professional before filing.
More calculators
- Hourly to salary calculator
- Overtime pay calculator
- Raise calculator
- Bonus tax calculator
- 401(k) tax savings calculator
- HSA limits and tax savings calculator
- Self-employment tax calculator
- Child tax credit calculator
- Capital gains tax calculator
- No tax on overtime and tips calculator
- Senior deduction calculator
- Social Security benefits tax calculator
- 2026 retirement contribution limits
- Moving states calculator
- Federal tax bracket calculator
- 2026 tax brackets and standard deduction
- State income tax comparison