Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Calculator 2026
2026Check if you qualify for the EITC and calculate your credit amount based on income, filing status, and number of children.
By Konstantin Iakovlev · Updated April 2026 · Source: IRS — Forms, Instructions & Publications
Estimated EITC
$4,250.00
Maximum Possible
$4,427.00
Status
Phase-Out
EITC Calculation Details
| Earned Income | $25,000.00 |
| Qualifying Children | 1 |
| Maximum Credit | $4,427.00 |
| Income Range for Max Credit | $13,020.00 – $23,890.00 |
| Phase-Out Ends At | $51,593.00 |
| Credit Phase | In phase-out range (credit decreasing) |
| Estimated EITC | $4,250.00 |
The EITC is fully refundable — you receive the credit even if you owe no federal income tax. This estimate is based on 2026 parameters and may vary based on your specific tax situation.
Use the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Calculator 2026 above to calculate your results. Enter your values and see instant results — all calculations run in your browser.
Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, financial, or legal advice. Results are estimates based on the information you provide and current rates. Always consult a qualified tax professional or financial advisor for advice specific to your situation.
How It Works
The Earned Income Tax Credit rewards working households, and for 2026 the projected maximum reaches up to $7,430 for families with three or more qualifying children. Running your numbers shows both whether you qualify and how large the credit could be, which often makes a meaningful difference to the size of a refund.
Two phases drive the figure. In the credit-generating phase, a set percentage of your earned income builds the credit up; in the phase-out phase, the credit shrinks as income climbs past a defined threshold. Filing status, whether Single or Married Filing Jointly, and the number of qualifying children both steer the result, applied against the specific 2026 income brackets and percentages.
Being refundable is what makes the EITC powerful: a qualifying filer can collect a refund even with zero tax owed. The qualifying-child rules are where errors creep in, since each child must satisfy the age, residency, and relationship tests. Confirm all three before you rely on the figure.
Example: Maria, a single parent with two children, in 2026
- 1 Maria is a single parent with two qualifying children. Her earned income for 2026 is $32,000. She files as Head of Household.
- 2 For Head of Household with two qualifying children, the 2026 EITC begins to phase out around $25,800. With an income of $32,000, Maria's EITC will be in the phase-out range. The maximum credit for two children is projected to be $6,604.
- 3 The phase-out rate for two children is 15.98%. Maria's income exceeds the phase-out threshold by $6,200 ($32,000 - $25,800). The reduction in her credit is $6,200 * 0.1598 = $990.76.
- 4 Maria's estimated EITC for 2026 is $6,604 (maximum credit) - $990.76 (phase-out reduction) = $5,613.24. This amount will directly reduce her tax liability or be issued as a refund.
Source: IRS — Forms, Instructions & Publications · Last updated: April 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum Earned Income Tax Credit for 2026?
What income limits apply to the EITC in 2026?
Can I claim the EITC if I am self-employed?
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