The Earned Income Tax Credit (or EITC) is a benefit for working people with low to moderate income. To qualify, you must meet certain requirements and file a tax return, even if you do not owe any tax or are not required to file. EITC reduces the amount of tax you owe and may give you a refund.
Workers at risk for overlooking this important credit include those:

• Living in non-traditional homes, such as a grandparent raising a grandchild
• Whose earnings declined or whose marital or parental status changed
• Without children
• With limited English skills
• Living in rural areas
• Who are Native Americans
• With earnings below the filing requirement
• Who have disabilities or are raising children with disabilities

If you qualify for the Federal EITC, you may also be eligible for a similar credit from your state or local government. Twenty-five states, plus local municipalities including the District of Columbia and New York City, offer residents an earned income tax credit for 2015.

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