Do I qualify for EIC? Please help - in the middle of filing as we speak!?

Question

I am filing head of household. I earned 12,000 through self-employment and 2,160 from unemployment. I am using the H&R Block online tax filing system (I've used it the past 3 years). I am to the end of the federal part and it's not giving me the EIC. Is there a reason? Please help!

Oops, I am so stressed that I forgot to mention I have 2 dependents, ages 12 and 14.

Answer 1

My first thought is that the self-employment has not been marked as earned income. Check your input there. Did you have any unearned income? If, for instance, you rented out part of your home and received more than $2,700 in rent you will not be entitled to EIC.

Answer 2

Go back through the interview and read all the questions. You probably failed to answer a question, or answered it incorrectly.

Did the children live with you for more than six months (YES)? Are they US citizens (YES)? Did they have any income (NO)? Did they provide over half of THEIR OWN support (answer needs to be NO).

If you can't find your mistake, go into an HRB office or ask for help on the help line.

Answer 3

If you're filing HoH and have qualifying dependents you should be able to take the EITC. If the system isn't letting you, look for a help link somewhere. More than that I cannot say.

Answer 4

Go to:
http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=96406,00.html
and then click on EITC Assistant.

you will answer some questions and that will tell you if you qualify or not.... otherwise you can pick up the 2006 Taxes book from your local library, it has all the information there.

Answer 5

Yes...you do...why it did not direct you there is unusual...go back and double check...also you can check on www.irs.gov to see all of the requirements. I think that you need to earn less than 37,000 ...around there for the size of your family....check out that website before you complete your filing...good luck