Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

What Is the Maryland Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)?

The Maryland Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a benefit for people who work but don’t earn a lot of money. The EITC provides up to $4,000 for eligible Marylanders to help lower the taxes you owe or increase your tax refund. The amount you receive will depend on your income and family size.

You can claim the EITC when you file your tax return. Claiming the EITC will not affect your eligibility for other government programs like SNAP of housing assistance.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligibility for the EITC depends on several factors, including:

• Your income (Adjusted Gross Income – AGI)
• Your filing status (single, married filing jointly, etc.)
• How many children or qualifying relatives you claim
• Your investment income (must be less than $10,000)

To check your eligibility for the EITC, follow the 3-step instructions below for using the table:

Step 1: Find the row that matches the number of children or relatives you claim.
Step 2: Find the column that matches your tax filing status.
Step 3: If your income is less than the amount shown, you may be eligible.

Note: These figures are preliminary 2025 estimates based on IRS guidance. Final eligibility depends on your full tax situation. Source: Earned income and Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) tables | Internal Revenue Service

Marylanders who qualify for the federal EITC also qualify for the state credit. Additionally, Maryland residents who file taxes using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) and childless adults under 25 are also eligible for the Maryland EITC although they are not eligible for the federal credit.

How do I Claim the Maryland EITC?

To claim the Maryland EITC, you must file a Maryland state income tax return. You can do this yourself – using tax software or paper forms – or you can work with a tax professional. Even if you claimed the federal EITC, you must still file a Maryland return and complete the EITC section to claim the Maryland EITC.

Most tax professionals and tax software will help you claim the EITC automatically, but it’s important to confirm that it is included before you submit your return.

Before filing, double-check that:

• You answered all income and household questions accurately.
• The EITC appears on your federal and/or Maryland return.
•  You did not skip any questions related to dependents, income, or tax credits.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What if I owe taxes, can I still benefit?
Yes. The EITC can either increase your refund or reduce the amount you owe—sometimes even to zero.

2. Who is eligible for the EITC?
Eligibility is based on your income and family size, and you must have earned income in the past year. Many people qualify without realizing it, including: Young adults, first-time workers, part-time employees, and caregivers. Use our EITC screening tool or ask your tax preparer to check your eligibility.

3. Do I need to file my tax return to get the credit?
Yes. Filing your tax return is required to receive the credit.

4. Where can I find free tax help?
Free, trusted tax preparation services like Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites are available across Maryland to help with both state and federal returns. Visit MarylandComptroller.gov/EarnedIt to find a location near you. Income limits may apply.

5. Can I still claim the EITC if I use tax software?
Absolutely. Ensure your software verifies Maryland EITC eligibility, as some platforms don’t check this automatically.

6. What should I ask my tax preparer?
Ask your tax preparer to verify your eligibility for both the federal and Maryland EITCs and claim it on your tax return. Many people miss out on the Maryland credit simply because they didn’t know to ask.

7. Why is the EITC important?
The EITC can help working individuals and families cover essential expenses like childcare, bills, savings, and unexpected costs. It’s a powerful tool for financial stability.

8. If I qualify for the federal EITC, do I automatically qualify for Maryland’s EITC?
Everyone who qualifies for the federal EITC qualifies for the Maryland EITC. Additionally, Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) filers and childless adults aged 18-24 may qualify for the Maryland credit, even though they are not eligible for the federal credit. You must file a Maryland income tax return to claim the Maryland EITC.

9. Do you want help with food, healthcare, energy and other costs?
See if you can get benefits at MarylandBenefits.gov



Information about other individual income tax credits   

Visit our Tax Credits webpage to learn more about your eligibility for the following tax credits.

Maryland Child Tax Credit (CTC)

The CTC is a tax credit that helps parents cover the costs of raising kids by reducing the taxes they owe or increasing their refund.

Who is Eligible?

• You are likely eligible for the CTC if you meet the following criteria:
• You are a resident of Maryland.
• You have a dependent under the age of 6 OR a dependent with a disability under the age of 17.

Maryland Child and Dependent Care Credit

If you were eligible for a Child and Dependent Care Credit on your federal income tax return, Form 1040 for the tax year, you may be entitled to a credit on your Maryland state income tax return.

Maryland Senior Tax Credit

Residents who are at least 65 on the last day of the tax year may be eligible for a non-refundable tax credit.