EITC in Illinois
The federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is available to all eligible workers in Illinois — worth up to $8,046 per year for families with three or more children. An estimated 1 in 5 eligible workers don't claim it. Illinois also has the Illinois Earned Income Credit, which adds 20% on top of your federal credit.
Federal EITC amounts (2025 tax year)
The EITC amount depends on your income and number of qualifying children. These are the federal amounts — the same in every state.
| Qualifying Children | Max Federal EITC | + Illinois Illinois Earned Income Credit (20%) | Total (Federal + State) | Income Limit (Single) | Income Limit (Married) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 or more | $8,046 | $1,609 | $9,655 | $59,899 | $66,819 |
| 2 | $7,152 | $1,430 | $8,582 | $55,768 | $62,688 |
| 1 | $4,328 | $865 | $5,193 | $49,084 | $56,004 |
| None | $649 | $129 | $778 | $19,104 | $26,214 |
Figures are for the 2025 tax year (returns filed in 2026). See IRS EITC tables for exact current-year limits. You must be age 25–64 to claim the EITC without a qualifying child.
How to claim the Illinois Earned Income Credit
The Illinois Earned Income Credit is claimed on your Illinois state tax return — you do not need a separate application. If you qualify for the federal EITC, you almost certainly qualify for the Illinois Earned Income Credit.
- File your federal return first — the federal EITC amount flows to your state return automatically in most tax software
- File your Illinois state return at Illinois Department of Revenue (tax.illinois.gov)
- Claim the IL EITC on your IL-1040 Schedule ICR (Illinois Credits)
How to claim the federal EITC in Illinois
The federal EITC is claimed on your Form 1040 tax return — there is no separate application. File Schedule EIC if you have qualifying children.
Filing options in Illinois:
- IRS Free File — free federal filing for income under $84,000 at irs.gov/freefile
- VITA sites in Illinois — free in-person tax prep for income under ~$67,000. Find a site at irs.gov/vita or by calling 1-800-906-9887
- Tax software — TurboTax, H&R Block, FreeTaxUSA, and others automatically calculate the EITC from your income entries
Missed prior years? You can file amended returns and claim the EITC for up to 3 prior tax years. If you were eligible in 2022, 2023, or 2024 and didn't claim it, you can still get those credits.
Common questions about the EITC in Illinois
Do I need children to qualify for the EITC in Illinois?
No. Workers without qualifying children can receive up to $649 (federal) if they are ages 25–64, not claimed as a dependent by anyone else, and meet the income limits ($19,104 single / $26,214 married for 2025). Illinois's Illinois Earned Income Credit is also available to workers without children.
When will I receive my EITC refund in Illinois?
By law, the IRS cannot issue EITC refunds before mid-February. If you e-file and use direct deposit, most EITC refunds arrive by early March. State refunds (if Illinois has a state EITC) are typically issued separately, within 4–8 weeks of filing.
What counts as earned income for the EITC?
Wages, salaries, tips, and net self-employment income all count. Investment income, Social Security, unemployment, and alimony do not count as earned income. Investment income must be $11,600 or less to qualify.
Related programs to check
- SNAP in Illinois — monthly food benefits for working families
- Medicaid in Illinois — free or low-cost health coverage
- EITC national overview — full details on federal EITC rules
- WIC — food and nutrition support for pregnant women and young children
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