b'IMPORTANTTHINGS TO KNOWEarned Income Tax Credit (EITC) A Social Security number Tax filers must Individuals canis required to receive thesubmit a federal qualify for EITCfederal EITC.tax return for even if they do2021 to receive not owe federalthe EITC, even income taxes. if they would not otherwise be required to file. Temporary 2021 expansions lowered the age of eligibilityAn earned income is required from 25 to 19 and removed theThe maximum credit$1,502 for eligibility for the tax credit, upper age limit, making workersavailable to workers(2021) which phases out as income 65 and older eligible to receivewithout dependentincreases, reaching zero at the credit. (Otherwise, onlychildren temporarily$21,430 ($27,380 for married childless workers betweenincreased from $543filing jointly). Unemployment 25 and 64 can claim the EITC.) to $1,502 for 2021. benefits, Social Security, and $543 Supplemental Security Income 19256465+ do not count as income. 24Filers can choose to useMost young either their 2019 or 2021workers Low-incomeincome to calculate theattending workers who2021 EITC. Those who lostcollege at dont havea job due to COVID-19least part-custody ofcould still qualify for thetime are not their childrencredit, even withouteligible for or whoseearnings in 2021.the credit children liveuntil age 24. with them less than six months of the year can benefit from the expanded EITC. EligibilityHomeless youth or individuals transitioning also applies to workersout of foster care qualify under special rules with grown children,and become eligible for the EITC at age 18, or who care foreven if they are students. A qualified foster nonbiologicalyouth is defined as a person who was in children notfoster care at age 14 or older and can claimedcertify they are homeless or on the verge of on taxes. homelessness, including living in a shelter, couch surfing, or living in a car.8'