The Earned Income Tax Credit is the biggest anti-poverty program most eligible families under-claim — the IRS itself estimates about one in five eligible workers doesn't take it. And nothing changes your EITC like a first baby: the maximum credit jumps several-fold the year your child is born.
Tax-year 2026 maximums
- No qualifying children: up to $664
- One child: up to $4,427
- Two children: up to $7,316
- Three or more: up to $8,231
The credit is fully refundable — you receive it even if you owe zero tax. It phases in as you earn, peaks, then phases out; working families with children can qualify well into the $50,000s and $60,000s of income depending on filing status and family size.
The rules that trip up new parents
- A baby born December 31 counts for the whole year — same as the Child Tax Credit. Get the Social Security number (request it with the birth certificate paperwork).
- You need earned income — wages or self-employment. A year with parental leave and reduced income can actually raise your EITC if it moves you into the credit's sweet spot.
- Investment income cap — above a modest threshold (adjusted yearly), you're ineligible. Mostly affects families with significant taxable brokerage income.
- Married filing separately generally disqualifies you (narrow exceptions exist).
How to claim it (free)
File a federal return and claim the EITC with Schedule EIC — tax software calculates it automatically. Don't pay for prep: the IRS EITC page links free filing options, and VITA sites prepare returns free for most EITC-eligible incomes. Many states add their own EITC on top — typically 3–40% of the federal amount.
See every program your family qualifies for — matched to your state and income.
Take the free 60-second quizSources: IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-32 (TY2026 EITC amounts); IRS EITC participation estimates. Not tax advice.