The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a tax credit for hardworking, low-income families. For some, the EITC can be as much as $4,824. Many eligible families, however, do not claim this credit, because they are unaware that it exists.

In Davidson County, an estimated $25 million in EITC refunds are left unclaimed each year. Did you qualify?

Visit a free tax preparation site near you to find out if you qualify! Dial 2-1-1 to find a free tax preparation site near you.

New for tax year 2009, is the additional EITC and income thresholds for a Third Qualifying Child and Changes to the Uniform Definition of a Child The change in the Uniform Definition of a Child adds two new rules to the definition of a “qualifying child.” The child must:

• Be younger than the person claiming the child
• Not have filed a joint return other than to claim a refund

For more information on whether a child qualifies you for the EITC, see Publication 596, Chapter 2, Rules If You Have a Qualifying Child.

Earned Income and adjusted gross income (AGI) must each be less than:

• $43,279 (48,279) married filing jointly) with three or more qualifying children
• $40,295 ($45,295 married filing jointly) with two qualifying children
• $35,463 ($40,463 married filing jointly) with one qualifying child
• $13,440 ($18,440 married filing jointly) with no qualifying children

Tax Year 2009 maximum credit:

• $5,657 with three or more qualifying children
• $5,028 with two qualifying children
• $3,043 with one qualifying child
• $457 with no qualifying children

Investment income must be $3,100 or less for the year.