Haven’t Filed Yet? You Could Still Get Up To $7,830 In IRS Tax Credits

If you’re one of the many Americans who haven’t filed their taxes yet, there’s still good news. You could qualify for a refundable IRS tax credit of up to $7,830 through the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).

This credit helps low- to moderate-income workers and families, and it could dramatically reduce what you owe—or even increase your refund.

Whether you’re single, married, or have children, it’s worth checking if you’re eligible for this valuable financial support.

What Is the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)?

The EITC is a special tax credit designed to support working individuals and families. Unlike other credits, it’s refundable, meaning that if the credit amount is more than what you owe in taxes, the difference is refunded to you.

The value of the credit depends on:

Your income
Your filing status
The number of qualifying children you have (if any)

Even individuals without children may qualify, although those with more children tend to receive the highest payouts.

How Much Can You Get?

The table below outlines the maximum credit amounts available based on the number of qualifying children for the 2025 tax year.

Qualifying Children	Maximum EITC	Income Limit (Single/Head of Household)	Income Limit (Married Filing Jointly)
0	$632	$18,591	$25,511
1	$4,213	$49,084	$56,004
2	$6,960	$55,768	$62,688
3 or more	$7,830	$59,899	$66,819

These income thresholds apply to earned income, which includes wages, self-employment income, and certain disability payments.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the EITC, you must meet the following requirements:

You must have earned income through work or self-employment.
You (and your spouse if filing jointly) must have valid Social Security numbers.
Your filing status cannot be “Married Filing Separately.”
You must be a U.S. citizen or resident alien for the entire year.
If claiming no children, you must be between 25 and 65 years old.
You cannot have more than $11,600 in investment income for the year.
You must not file a claim using the foreign earned income exclusion.

How to Estimate Your Credit

You can easily estimate how much you’re eligible for by answering questions about:

Your income
Number of dependents or qualifying children
Your filing status

Based on this, the EITC can either reduce your tax liability to zero or provide a refund, even if you owe no tax at all.

How to Claim Your EITC

Claiming the EITC is simple but requires filing a federal tax return, even if your income is below the minimum filing requirement.

Steps:

Collect your W-2s, 1099s, or other income statements.
Determine if you have qualifying children.
File Form 1040 and include Schedule EIC if you have children.
Opt for direct deposit to get your refund faster.
Use official IRS tools to confirm your eligibility and estimate your refund.

The EITC is typically released mid-February, but actual refund timing depends on when and how you file.

Important Dates to Remember

Tax Filing Deadline: April 15, 2025
Extended Filing Deadline: October 15, 2025 (if an extension is filed)
You can still file late for previous years and claim the EITC retroactively (up to three years).

Helpful Tools to Track Your Refund

Once you’ve filed your return and claimed the EITC:

Use the IRS refund tracker tool or an official tax refund app.
Have your SSN, filing status, and refund amount ready to check your status.
Refunds are typically processed within 21 days if filed electronically.

If you haven’t filed your taxes yet, don’t miss the chance to claim up to $7,830 in IRS tax credits. The Earned Income Tax Credit is one of the most powerful tools for reducing tax burden and increasing your refund. Check your eligibility, gather your documents, and file your return on time to unlock the credit you deserve.

FAQs

Can I still get the EITC if I don’t have kids?

Yes. Individuals with no qualifying children can still claim up to $632, provided they meet the income and age requirements.

What documents do I need to claim the credit?

You’ll need your W-2, 1099s, or other proof of income, and any details about your qualifying children, if applicable. Bank account info is optional for direct deposit.

Will the IRS ask for sensitive information through their tools?

No. IRS eligibility tools never request your SSN, address, or bank information. You only need basic income and family details to check your eligibility.