You are responsible for what’s on your tax return even when someone else prepares it for you. Understand the common errors you can make when you claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) on your tax return and what you need to do to avoid them. If the EITC claim on your tax return has errors, one of the following may happen: It may take longer to get your refund We may audit your EITC claim We may deny all or part of the credit To find out if you qualify for the EITC, use our Qualification Assistant. Five common errors you need to avoid Your Child doesn’t qualify More than one person claimed the child Social Security Number or last name don’t match Married and filed as single head of household Over or underreporting your income or expenses Your child doesn't qualify Most errors happen because the child claimed doesn’t meet the qualification rules: Relationship: The child must be related to you. Residency: The child must live in the same home as you for more than half the tax year. Age: The child must meet the age requirements. Their age and student or disability status will affect if they qualify. Joint return: The child must not file a joint return with another person (for example, their spouse) to claim the EITC. Related: Qualifying Children for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). More than one person claimed the child The child must have lived with you for more than half of the tax year. Related: Qualifying Children for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Social Security number or last name don't match The social security number and name must match exactly how they appear on the social security card for everyone listed on your tax return. Related: Qualifying Children for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Married and filed as single or head of household Use the correct filing status. You can't claim the EITC using the single or head of household filing status if you are married, and you lived with your spouse during the last six months of the year. Related: Who Qualifies for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Over or underreporting your income or expenses Include all your Forms W-2, W-2G, 1099-MISC, 1099-NEC, 1099-K, and all other records of your income, including income not reported on an IRS form, when calculating your earned income. If the income reported does not match IRS records, you may be required to submit additional documentation such as: periodic pay statements electronic payment records or a letter from your employer on company letterhead or stationery stating the dates of employment, gross amount of wages paid and withholdings deducted. Report all income you earn from running or owning a business or farm. You can deduct all allowable expenses.
