For tax year 2026, the Earned Income Tax Credit pays up to $8,231 with three or more children, $7,316 with two, $4,427 with one and $664 with none. It ends at $51,593 of income for a single parent with one child ($58,863 married filing jointly). These are the IRS's own 2026 numbers, for the return you file in early 2027.
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EITC 2026: the maximum credit and where it ends
| Qualifying children | Maximum credit | Ends at (single, head of household) | Ends at (married filing jointly) |
|---|---|---|---|
| No children | $664 | $19,540 | $26,820 |
| One child | $4,427 | $51,593 | $58,863 |
| Two children | $7,316 | $58,629 | $65,899 |
| Three or more | $8,231 | $62,974 | $70,244 |
The IRS calls the last two columns the completed phaseout amount: "at or above which no credit is allowed." The credit grows until earned income reaches $8,680 with no children, $13,020 with one and $18,290 with two or more, then starts shrinking at $23,890 for a single parent ($31,160 married filing jointly; $10,860 and $18,140 with no children). From the IRS Internal Revenue Bulletin 2025-45, read November 5, 2026.
New for 2026: Schedule 3-A
The IRS: "Beginning with tax year 2026, you must complete Schedule 3-A, Federal Public Benefit, if you are claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit." The IRS's EITC Assistant on the same page checks whether you qualify. The IRS EITC page.
California adds its own credits
On the state return, California has the CalEITC and the Young Child Tax Credit. You get them by filing a California return. This page doesn't list California's 2026 amounts; the California money check runs your household through PolicyEngine for an estimate of all four credits together.
File free in San Diego County
IRS-certified volunteers prepare returns free through VITA and, for older adults, AARP Foundation Tax-Aide. In past seasons they've run in Carlsbad, Encinitas and Oceanside; the free tax help page has the sites and what to bring.
The fix
- File a return, even if you don't owe tax: the credits only come through a return.
- Count every qualifying child and use the right column for how you file.
- Book a free VITA or Tax-Aide appointment early in the season, and ask about the new Schedule 3-A.
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"The 2026 EITC pays up to $8,231, and the return is the only way to get it. The IRS limits by family size:"
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Questions people ask
What is the EITC income limit for 2026?
It depends on children and filing status. Single or head of household: $19,540 with no children, $51,593 with one, $58,629 with two and $62,974 with three or more. Married filing jointly: $26,820, $58,863, $65,899 and $70,244 (IRS, tax year 2026).
What is the maximum EITC for 2026?
$664 with no qualifying children, $4,427 with one, $7,316 with two and $8,231 with three or more (IRS, tax year 2026).
Do I need Schedule 3-A for the EITC?
Yes, starting with tax year 2026. The IRS says you must complete Schedule 3-A, Federal Public Benefit, if you are claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit.
Does California have its own EITC?
Yes. The CalEITC and the Young Child Tax Credit come on the California return. The California money check on this site estimates them with the federal credits for your household.
Where can I file free in San Diego County?
IRS-certified VITA volunteers and AARP Foundation Tax-Aide prepare returns free; in past seasons they've run in Carlsbad, Encinitas and Oceanside.
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