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 Find Free, Trusted Tax Prep Assistance Services?

Free or low-cost tax prep services are available across Maryland.

In person tax prep options:

• CASH Campaign of Maryland
  The CASH Campaign of Maryland (Creating Assets, Savings, and Hope) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting economic advancement for low-to-moderate income individuals and families across Maryland. Through free tax preparation services, financial education, coaching, and access to benefits, CASH helps residents build financial stability and long-term security.
• Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites
  Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites provide free, in-person tax preparation services for qualifying individuals and families. Staffed by IRS-certified volunteers, these sites help taxpayers accurately file their returns, answer questions, and ensure they receive all credits and deductions they’re eligible for. VITA services are designed for those with moderate incomes, people with disabilities, and individuals with limited English proficiency—making tax filing easier, safer, and stress-free.
• Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites with ITIN services | Internal Revenue Service
  Some VITA sites can help you apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), help you complete your Form W-2, and more.

Virtual tax prep options:

• Code for America
  Code for America offers free online tax filing services in English and Spanish. They can prepare your return for you or help you file your own return.
• Self-prep
  Use myfreetaxes.com or services like cash.app/taxes for free self-filing.

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