The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is one of the most valuable financial support programs available to low- and moderate-income workers in the United States. Each year, it helps millions of Americans reduce their tax bills—and in many cases, receive a refund that significantly boosts their household income.
If you’ve recently filed your tax return and are wondering whether you’ve been approved for the EITC, this article will walk you through everything you need to know to check your status, understand your eligibility, and find out how much you might receive.
What Is the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)?
The EITC is a refundable tax credit offered by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for workers who meet certain income and family size requirements. Unlike a standard deduction or a non-refundable credit, the EITC can result in a refund even if you owe no taxes.
In tax year 2024 (filed in 2025), eligible workers can receive between $600 and over $7,000, depending on their income, filing status, and number of qualifying children.
Who Is Eligible for the EITC?
To qualify for the EITC, you must meet the following general requirements:
- Have earned income from employment, self-employment, or another source.
- Be a U.S. citizen or resident alien for the entire tax year.
- Have a valid Social Security number for yourself, your spouse, and any qualifying children.
- Not file as “married filing separately.”
- Meet income limits, which vary depending on the number of qualifying children.
For example, for tax year 2024:
- No children: Income must be below $18,950 (single) or $25,500 (married).
- 1 child: Income must be below $46,500 (single) or $53,100 (married).
- 2 children: Income must be below $52,400 (single) or $58,950 (married).
- 3 or more children: Income must be below $56,800 (single) or $63,400 (married).
How to Know If You Were Approved for the EITC
If you’ve already filed your federal tax return and claimed the EITC, you may be wondering how to find out whether the IRS has approved your credit—and when you can expect your refund.
Here are the main steps to check your EITC status:
1. Use the “Where’s My Refund?” Tool on the IRS Website
The IRS offers a simple and secure tool called “Where’s My Refund?”, which is the fastest way to check the status of your refund, including EITC payments.
Here’s how to use it:
- Go to: https://www.irs.gov/refunds
- Enter:
- Your Social Security number (SSN)
- Your filing status (single, married filing jointly, etc.)
- The exact refund amount you claimed on your return
The tool will show one of the following statuses:
- Return Received
- Refund Approved
- Refund Sent
If your refund has been approved and includes the EITC, it means you were approved for the credit.
Note: The “Where’s My Refund?” tool is updated once a day, usually overnight.
2. Check the IRS2Go Mobile App
The IRS also has a free mobile app called IRS2Go, available for iOS and Android devices. It provides the same information as the website’s refund tracker and is useful for checking your status on the go.
3. Check Your IRS Account Online
You can also view your full tax records, including the status of your EITC claim, by creating or logging into your IRS online account:
There, you can see if the IRS made any adjustments to your return, processed your refund, or flagged anything for additional review.
When Will You Receive Your EITC Refund?
Because of anti-fraud laws (specifically the PATH Act), refunds that include the EITC or the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) cannot be issued before mid-February, even if you file early.
Typically, EITC refunds are issued starting in late February or early March. After that, the usual refund processing time is about 21 days from when the IRS accepts your return.
What to Do If There’s a Delay
If it’s been more than 21 days since your return was accepted, and your refund hasn’t arrived or the status hasn’t changed, here are possible reasons:
- The IRS is reviewing your return for accuracy, especially if your EITC claim seems inconsistent.
- You made an error on your tax return.
- Identity verification is needed (in some cases, the IRS will send a letter requesting documents).
- You have past due debts (such as unpaid federal student loans, child support, or back taxes), which may reduce your refund.
If the IRS needs additional information, they will contact you by mail—not phone or email.
How to Appeal or Get Help with Your EITC
If you believe you were eligible for the EITC but were denied, you can:
- File an amended return (Form 1040-X) if you realize you made a mistake.
- Respond to IRS letters if they requested documents or denied your credit.
- Contact the Taxpayer Advocate Service for free, independent help: https://www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov
You may also want to get assistance from a free IRS-certified tax preparer through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, especially if you have a low income.
Final Thoughts
The Earned Income Tax Credit can be a game-changer for many American families, offering a refund of up to several thousand dollars each year. If you’ve claimed the EITC, checking your approval status is straightforward using the IRS’s online tools.
Even if you didn’t qualify this year, it’s worth checking your eligibility annually, as small changes in income, family size, or filing status can make a big difference.
If you think your name may be on the updated list of EITC-eligible individuals, don’t wait—visit the IRS website, track your refund, and stay informed.
