EITC Calculator 2026
Your estimated 2026 earned income tax credit — maximum credit by number of children ($664 / $4,427 / $7,316 / $8,231), phase-in and phase-out, income ranges, investment-income and age checks — confirmed against Rev. Proc. 2025-32.
| Maximum credit for your family size | — |
|---|---|
| Phase-in | — |
| Phase-out | — |
| Your credit | — |
| Income range for the maximum credit | — |
| Credit disappears at | — |
| Eligibility checks | — |
In short
The 2026 earned income credit is worth up to $664 with no children, $4,427 with one, $7,316 with two and $8,231 with three or more, phasing in at 7.65–45% of earned income and phasing out from $10,860–23,890 of income ($18,140–31,160 joint) until it disappears at $19,540–62,974 ($26,820–70,244 joint). Investment income over $12,200 disqualifies you; childless workers must be 25–64. The credit is fully refundable.
Who this is for: Low- and moderate-income US workers and families checking their 2026 earned income credit.
2026 earned income credit parameters
| Children | Max credit | Earned income for max | Phase-out starts (other / joint) | Gone at (other / joint) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | $664 | $8,680 | $10,860 / $18,140 | $19,540 / $26,820 |
| 1 | $4,427 | $13,020 | $23,890 / $31,160 | $51,593 / $58,863 |
| 2 | $7,316 | $18,290 | $23,890 / $31,160 | $58,629 / $65,899 |
| 3+ | $8,231 | $18,290 | $23,890 / $31,160 | $62,974 / $70,244 |
- The credit phases in at 7.65% (no children), 34%, 40% or 45% of earned income, plateaus, then phases out at 7.65%, 15.98% or 21.06%.
- Investment income above $12,200 disqualifies you entirely.
- Childless workers must be 25–64; there is no age limit with qualifying children.
- The EITC is refundable: a family owing $0 of tax still receives the full amount, and it stacks with the child tax credit.
- About one in five eligible workers never claims it — if your income is in the ranges above, file even if you are not required to.
See also: US Federal Income Tax Calculator 2026.
Assumptions
- Credit = min(max credit, phase-in rate × earned income) − phase-out rate × (greater of earned income or AGI above the threshold).
- Phase-in and phase-out rates derived from the Rev. Proc. 2025-32 amounts; the IRS table rounds in $50 steps.
- Investment income over $12,200 or age outside 25–64 (no children) → no credit.
Worked example
Phase-in: 40% × $28,000 would exceed the maximum, so the credit starts at the full $7,316. Phase-out: income is $4,110 over the $23,890 threshold, reducing the credit by 21.06% × $4,110 = $866, leaving about $6,450 — fully refundable. The same family would receive the maximum between $18,290 and $23,890 of income, and nothing from $58,629 up. A married couple filing jointly with the same income is under the $31,160 joint threshold and would get the full $7,316.
Frequently asked questions
Who qualifies for the EITC in 2026?
Workers with earned income under $51,593–$70,244 depending on children and filing status (under $19,540 / $26,820 with no children), investment income of $12,200 or less, a valid SSN, and US residency for over half the year.
Is the EITC refundable?
Yes, fully — it is paid as a refund even if you owe no tax. Refunds including EITC are held until mid-February under the PATH Act.
Does self-employment income count?
Yes — net earnings from self-employment are earned income. Losses reduce it.
Can I claim EITC with no children?
Yes if you are 25–64 at year end, up to $664 in 2026, with income below $19,540 ($26,820 joint).
Why is my refund delayed?
By law the IRS cannot issue refunds that include EITC or the additional child tax credit before mid-February, to allow income matching.
Can a grandparent claim EITC for a grandchild?
Yes if the child lived with them more than half the year and no parent claims the child — tie-breaker rules apply when more than one person qualifies.
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