Child Tax Credit
Home PageAbout UsSearchContact UsServicesSite MapTax FAQsEntity SelectorAuditsEstate PlanningLinksQualifying ChildUsing TechnologyPayroll ServiceUnclaimed Tax Refund

 

TaxKeeping LLC 1800 Chapel Avenue West Suite 128 Cherry Hill, NJ 08002 Phone:(888) 842-3238      Fax: (856) 665-9005 Email: taxkeeping@gmail.com

Earned Income Tax Credit

 

Summary

The EITC is a refundable federal income tax credit for low-income working individuals or families. The credit was created in 1975 in part to offset the burden of Social Security taxes and as a work incentive. The amount of the credit varies but it is generally determined by income and family size.

The maximum amount of earned income allowed is higher for 2005 than it was for 2004. A taxpayer may be able to take the credit for 2005 if they:

  • earn less than $31,030 ($33,030 if married filing jointly) and have one qualifying child;
  • earn less than $35,263 ($37,263 if married filing jointly) and have more than one qualifying child;

  • earn less than $11,750 ($13,750 if married filing jointly) and have no children.

The maximum amount of investment income also increased to $2,700. Generally, a qualifying child must meet relationship and residency requirement.

 

Do You Qualify for EITC?

To qualify, you must meet certain requirements and file a U.S. Individual Income Tax Return. As described below, some EITC rules apply to everyone. There are also special rules for people who have children and for those who do not.

Individuals and families must meet certain general requirements:

  • You must have earned income.
  • You must have a valid Social Security Number for yourself, your spouse (if filing jointly) and your qualifying child.
  • Investment income is limited to $2,700.
  • Your filing status cannot be “married filing separately.”
  • Generally, you must be a U.S. citizen or resident alien all year.
  • You cannot be a qualifying child of another person.
  • You cannot file Form 2555 or Form 2555-EZ (related to foreign earned income.)

Your income cannot exceed certain limitations. For Tax Year 2005, you must have adjusted gross income of less than:

  • $35,263 ($37,263 if married filing jointly) with two or more qualifying children.
  • $31,030 ($33,030 if married filing jointly) with one qualifying child.
  • $11,750 ($13,750 if married filing jointly) with no qualifying children.

If you claim a child, he or she must meet three eligibility tests:

  • Residency Test – The child must have lived with you in the United States for more than half of 2005.
  • Relationship Test – The child must be your son, daughter, stepchild, foster child, brother, sister, stepbrother, stepsister, or a descendant of any of them. Your child includes:
    • A foster child who was placed with you by an authorized placement agency, or by judgment, decree, or other order of any court of competent jurisdiction.
    • A legally adopted child or a child lawfully placed with you for legal adoption
  • Age test – At the end of 2005, the child must have been under age 19, a full-time student under age 24 or any age if permanently and totally disabled at anytime during 2005.

Your qualifying child cannot be used by more than one person to claim EITC. If a child meets the rules to be a qualifying child of more than one person, only one person can treat that child as a qualifying child and claim EITC.

If you don’t have a child, you must meet three additional tests:

  • At the end of 2005, you must have been at least age 25, but under age 65.
  • You cannot qualify as the dependent of another person.
  • You must have lived in the United States for more than half of 2005.



 

 

Home Page | About Us | Search | Contact Us | Services | Site Map | Tax FAQs | Legal Entity Selector | Audits | Estate Planning | Links | Qualifying Child | Using Technology | Payroll Service | Unclaimed Tax Refund