ΣBenefitMath

FederalSame rules in every state

EITC Calculator

Estimate your Earned Income Tax Credit for 2026 and see where you fall on the phase-in, plateau or phase-out.

This is a federal income tax tool for tax year 2026 (the return you file in early 2027). It does not change SSI, SNAP or other benefits; those are on the benefits calculator.

Your household
Children who lived with you more than half the year
Your income for 2026
Wages, tips and self-employment profit
Unemployment, interest, taxable pensions and so on
Interest, dividends, capital gains, rental income

Example numbers are filled in. Replace them with yours.

Common questions

How the EITC works

The Earned Income Tax Credit is for people who work and earn low to moderate pay. It's refundable, so it can come back to you as a refund even if you owe no income tax.

  1. Phase-in: the credit grows with each dollar you earn, up to a maximum that depends on how many children you have.
  2. Plateau: you get the maximum while income stays below the phase-out start.
  3. Phase-out: the credit shrinks as the greater of your AGI or earned income rises, until it reaches zero.

For 2026 the maximum is $664 with no children, $4,427 with one, $7,316 with two and $8,231 with three or more.

Can I get the EITC without children?

Yes, if you are 25 to 64 and your income is low enough. The amount is smaller, up to $664 for 2026.

Do disability benefits count as earned income?

SSI and SSDI don't count as earned income. Disability pension from an employer plan can count until you reach your plan's minimum retirement age.

Will my EITC refund cut my SNAP or SSI?

No. Federal tax refunds aren't counted as income, and they aren't counted as savings for 12 months.

Where can I file for free?

IRS VITA sites prepare returns for free for people with moderate income, and many help with the EITC.