Who qualifies for the EITC?
W-2 employees, self-employed workers, freelancers, and gig economy earners with low-to-moderate income may qualify. You can claim it with or without children, though the credit is larger with qualifying dependents.
Tax Credits
Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit help for DFW families.
The EITC and CTC are two of the most valuable refundable credits available. Thousands of Dallas-Fort Worth taxpayers miss out every year. Our bilingual tax preparers in Lewisville make sure you claim every dollar you qualify for and get your tax refund fast.
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
Child Tax Credit (CTC)
Tax refund maximization
Head of household filing
Se Habla Español
EITC essentials
Understanding the Earned Income Tax Credit
The EITC rewards work. If your income falls within the IRS limits, this credit can put hundreds or thousands of dollars back in your pocket — even if you owe no federal income tax.
How much is the EITC worth?
The credit amount varies by income, filing status, and number of children. The maximum credit for a family with three or more qualifying children can exceed $7,000. Even workers without children may receive a smaller but meaningful credit.
Key requirements
You must have earned income, a valid Social Security Number, and file a return — even if you are not otherwise required to. Investment income must stay under the annual limit. Filing status cannot be Married Filing Separately.
Child Tax Credit
Maximize the Child Tax Credit for your family
The CTC provides up to $2,000 per qualifying child under 17, with a refundable portion (Additional Child Tax Credit) that can boost your refund even when you owe zero tax.
Child Tax Credit eligibility
Your child must be under 17 at year-end, a U.S. citizen or resident with a valid SSN, and claimed as your dependent. Income phase-outs start at $200,000 for single filers and $400,000 for married filing jointly.
Credit for Other Dependents
Children who are 17 or older, or dependents who do not have an SSN but have an ITIN, may qualify for the $500 Credit for Other Dependents. This includes aging parents and relatives you support.
Filing status matters
Choosing head of household instead of single can lower your tax rate and increase your standard deduction — often making the difference for qualifying for larger EITC and CTC amounts. We review your filing status every year.
Checklist
Documents to bring for EITC and CTC claims
Gather these before your appointment to speed up your return and avoid IRS follow-up delays.
Identity and dependents
- Social Security cards for you, your spouse, and every dependent.
- Date of birth and relationship documentation for each child claimed.
- Photo ID for the primary filer and spouse.
Income documents
- All W-2s, 1099-NEC, 1099-K, and 1099-MISC forms for earned income.
- Records of self-employment income and business expenses.
- Investment income statements (must stay under the EITC limit).
Childcare and education
- Childcare provider name, address, and EIN for the Child and Dependent Care Credit.
- Form 1098-T for education credits if you or a dependent are enrolled in college.
- Records of after-school care or summer-camp expenses.
Banking and prior returns
- Bank routing and account numbers for direct-deposit refunds.
- Prior year tax return for comparison and carryforward data.
- Any IRS letters requesting identity verification (Form 5071C or 4883C).
FAQs
Common EITC and Child Tax Credit questions
These quick answers reflect IRS guidance and how we support DFW families during filing season.
What is the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)?
The EITC is a refundable federal tax credit for low-to-moderate income workers and families. It can reduce the tax you owe and may give you a refund even if you owe no tax.
Who qualifies for the Child Tax Credit?
Taxpayers with a qualifying child under age 17 who has a valid Social Security number may claim the Child Tax Credit, subject to income phase-out limits.
Can I claim the EITC if I am self-employed?
Yes. Self-employed individuals, freelancers, and gig economy workers can qualify for the EITC as long as their earned income and investment income fall within the IRS limits.
Ready to claim your credits?
Let us find the credits you have been missing
Call, email, or visit Tax Master DFW in Lewisville to make sure your EITC and Child Tax Credit are claimed correctly.
Visit or call
Phone
Office
150 W Main St. Suite 2A
Lewisville, Texas 75057
Email
Weekday, evening, and virtual appointments are available during peak season. Se Habla Español.
What to bring
- Social Security cards for all family members
- W-2s, 1099s, and proof of self-employment income
- Childcare provider details and expense receipts
- Bank account info for direct-deposit refunds