HOUSTON BUSINESS REVIEW

THE CPA CORNER: EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT LOWERS FEDERAL TAX LIABILITIES
By C. Kevin Moore

Kevin Moore is a Principal of C. Kevin Moore & Associates and has two decades of experience as a Certified Public Accountant. Each week he provides the information you need to grow and protect your business.

The earned income tax credit (EITC), sometimes called the earned income credit (EIC), is a refundable federal income tax credit for low-income working individuals and families. Congress originally approved the tax credit legislation in 1975 in part to offset the burden of social security taxes and to provide an incentive to work. When the EITC exceeds the amount of taxes owed, it results in a tax refund to those who claim and qualify for the credit.

To qualify, taxpayers must meet certain requirements and file a tax return, even if they did not earn enough money to be obligated to file a tax return. The EITC has no effect on certain welfare benefits. In most cases, EITC payments will not be used to determine eligibility for Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), food stamps, low-income housing or most Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) payments.

Last year, more than 21 million taxpayers collected more than $36 billion in EITC payments. If you want to claim the EITC you should make sure you are eligible for the credit before sending in your tax return. Don't guess. Know if you are qualified. Work with your CPA to determining your eligibility for the credit.