On National Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness Day, January 26, the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance is urging taxpayers to review their eligibility for earned income tax credits (EITC).

When federal, New York State, and New York City earned income tax credits are combined, they can be worth up to $11,888 for a family with three or more qualifying children.

“The earned income tax credit, which puts money directly into the pockets of working taxpayers, can be a financial lifeline for those struggling to make ends meet,” Acting Commissioner Amanda Hiller said. “I encourage all those eligible to take advantage of this valuable benefit.”

The earned income tax credit (EITC) is a refundable credit for working taxpayers who earn less than $63,398. This means you can get the credit as a refund even if you don’t owe any taxes.

Every year, thousands of New Yorkers qualify for the EITC for the first time as their filing status or personal financial situation changes. Taxpayers can learn more about the EITC by visiting the Tax Department’s Earned income credit (New York State) webpage.

How to apply

You must file a personal income tax return to receive the credit, even if you don’t owe any taxes. E-filing is the easiest and safest way to file your return, as well as the fastest way to receive your refund.

Visit the Tax Department’s Income Tax Filing Resource Center webpage for helpful information about how to prepare and file your federal and state income tax returns.

Free File

You may also be eligible to take advantage of the Free File program. This program allows you to electronically prepare and file both your federal and New York State returns at no cost through the Tax Department website, which can save hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars in tax-preparation costs.

Not eligible to Free File? Learn about other e-file options.

Free File is available in multiple languages

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