EITC in Michigan
The federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is available to all eligible workers in Michigan — 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. Michigan also has the Michigan Earned Income Tax Credit, which adds 30% 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 | + Michigan Michigan Earned Income Tax Credit (30%) | Total (Federal + State) | Income Limit (Single) | Income Limit (Married) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 or more | $8,046 | $2,413 | $10,459 | $59,899 | $66,819 |
| 2 | $7,152 | $2,145 | $9,297 | $55,768 | $62,688 |
| 1 | $4,328 | $1,298 | $5,626 | $49,084 | $56,004 |
| None | $649 | $194 | $843 | $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 Michigan Earned Income Tax Credit
The Michigan Earned Income Tax Credit is claimed on your Michigan state tax return — you do not need a separate application. If you qualify for the federal EITC, you almost certainly qualify for the Michigan Earned Income Tax Credit.
- File your federal return first — the federal EITC amount flows to your state return automatically in most tax software
- File your Michigan state return at Michigan Department of Treasury (michigan.gov/taxes)
- Claim the Michigan EITC on your MI-1040 state tax return (line 27b)
Michigan's increase to 30% means a family with 3 children could receive over $2,400 in additional state credit on top of the federal EITC — making it one of the largest state EITCs in the Midwest.
How to claim the federal EITC in Michigan
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 Michigan:
- IRS Free File — free federal filing for income under $84,000 at irs.gov/freefile
- VITA sites in Michigan — 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 Michigan
Do I need children to qualify for the EITC in Michigan?
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). Michigan's Michigan Earned Income Tax Credit is also available to workers without children.
When will I receive my EITC refund in Michigan?
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 Michigan 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 Michigan — monthly food benefits for working families
- Medicaid in Michigan — 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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