In this video I break down the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) rules and the updated chart so you can see exactly where you qualify, where the credit “plateaus,” and where it phases out. I walk you through the categories by filing status and number of qualifying children (0 to 3 max on the chart), and I use the zero-children example to keep it simple. For tax year 2025, if you’re a single filer with zero kids, once you hit $8,490 of earned income you’re in range to get the maximum credit ($649), and the phase-out starts at $10,620 and ends around $19,4xx. Married filing jointly has a higher range, with the phase-out starting around $17,000 and ending around $26,000. I also cover the big “gotchas” that trip people up. Married filing separately does not qualify for EITC, and if you have no kids there’s an age rule (25 to 65). For qualifying children, they must have a valid SSN and live with you for at least 6 months, and you only get one claim per child (important for divorced or separated parents). Finally, I explain what counts as income for EITC—yes, W-2 and 1099/contractors can qualify—and what does NOT count, like unemployment, Social Security, interest/dividends, and more. If you need help filing, I also mention my tax-season promo and how to reach me directly.