earned income credit do you take it off the total income or after the standard deductions ?

Answer 1

The income amount that you look up in the table is your total earned income, not necessarily your total income if you had interest, for example. If all your income was W-2s, then that's what you use. But definitely not the amount after subtracting exemptions and deductions.

Answer 2

Earned income credit is a tax CREDIT, so it is a reduction in your tax liability. You have to complete the form and then use the earned income credit table to figure out your credit amount.

Answer 3

The EIC is what is called a 'Refundable Credit' That means is reduces your tax liability directly and can result in a negative tax. It is treated on the 1040 as if you had paid that amount along with your withholdings. Line 66a of the 1040 is the correct line. You will also need to complete Schedule EIC.