PersonalCFO

Earned Income Tax Credit Calculator

Estimate your 2026 EITC based on your earned income, filing status, and qualifying children. The EITC is a refundable credit worth up to $8,231 for families with three or more children.

Your Income

$
Wages, salary, tips, or net self-employment
$
Interest, dividends, capital gains, rental income

Your EITC

EITC Amount
$4,976
Fully refundable credit
Maximum for 2 Children
$7,316
At optimal income level
Your Zone
Phase-Out
Credit decreasing
% of Maximum
68%
Of max credit captured

EITC Income Zones (2 children, Single/HoH)

Phase-In
$0 - $18,290 — Credit builds at 40.0% of earned income
Plateau
$18,290 - $23,890 — Maximum credit of $7,316
Phase-OutYou
$23,890 - $58,629 — Credit reduces at 21.1% rate
Your income:$35,000

2026 EITC at a Glance

ChildrenMax CreditIncome Limit (Single)Income Limit (MFJ)
0$664$19,540$26,820
1$4,427$51,593$58,863
2$7,316$58,629$65,899
3+$8,231$62,974$70,244

Investment income must be $12,200 or less. MFS filers are generally ineligible.

How the Earned Income Tax Credit Works

Three zones: phase-in, plateau, phase-out. The EITC builds as your earned income increases (phase-in), stays at the maximum for a range of income (plateau), then gradually decreases as income rises further (phase-out). The credit equals zero once income exceeds the phase-out endpoint.

More children means a larger credit. The maximum credit and income ranges increase with qualifying children: $664 with no children, $4,427 with one, $7,316 with two, and $8,231 with three or more (2026 amounts).

MFJ filers get wider income ranges. Married filing jointly couples have higher phase-out thresholds, allowing them to earn more before the credit begins to decrease. Married filing separately filers are generally ineligible for the EITC.

Investment income cap. If your investment income (interest, dividends, capital gains, rental income) exceeds $12,200 in 2026, you are completely disqualified from the EITC. This threshold is indexed for inflation.

Qualifying child rules. A qualifying child must be under 19 (or under 24 if a full-time student), or permanently disabled. The child must live with you for more than half the year and have a valid SSN. If you have no qualifying children, you must be between ages 25 and 64.

The EITC is fully refundable. Unlike many credits, the EITC can generate a refund even if you owe no federal income tax. This makes it one of the most powerful anti-poverty programs in the tax code.