EITC in New York
The federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is available to all eligible workers in New York — 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. New York also has the New York Earned Income 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 | + New York New York Earned Income 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 New York Earned Income Credit
The New York Earned Income Credit is claimed on your New York state tax return — you do not need a separate application. If you qualify for the federal EITC, you almost certainly qualify for the New York Earned Income Credit.
- File your federal return first — the federal EITC amount flows to your state return automatically in most tax software
- File your New York state return at New York State Department of Taxation and Finance (tax.ny.gov)
- Claim the NY EITC on Form IT-215 (Claim for Earned Income Credit) attached to your NY IT-201 state return
How to claim the federal EITC in New York
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 New York:
- IRS Free File — free federal filing for income under $84,000 at irs.gov/freefile
- VITA sites in New York — 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 New York
Do I need children to qualify for the EITC in New York?
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). New York's New York Earned Income Credit is also available to workers without children.
When will I receive my EITC refund in New York?
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 New York 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 New York — monthly food benefits for working families
- Medicaid in New York — 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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