Tax Credits
Tax credits directly reduce the amount of tax you owe, making them more valuable than deductions. Some credits are even "refundable," meaning you can receive money back even if you don't owe any taxes.
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
The EITC is one of the largest federal programs for low to moderate-income workers. It's fully refundable, meaning you can receive money back even if you don't owe taxes.
2024 Maximum Credit Amounts:
- No children: $632
- 1 child: $4,213
- 2 children: $6,960
- 3+ children: $7,830
Eligibility Requirements:
- Have earned income (wages, salaries, tips, self-employment)
- Have a valid Social Security number
- Be a U.S. citizen or resident alien
- Not file as "married filing separately"
- Meet income limits based on filing status and number of children
Child Tax Credit (CTC)
The Child Tax Credit helps families with qualifying children reduce their tax burden.
Current Credit (2024):
- Up to $2,000 per qualifying child under 17
- Up to $1,700 is refundable (Additional Child Tax Credit)
- Phase-out begins at $200,000 (single) / $400,000 (married filing jointly)
Qualifying Child Requirements:
- Under age 17 at end of tax year
- Your son, daughter, stepchild, foster child, sibling, or descendant
- Lived with you for more than half the year
- Did not provide more than half of their own support
- U.S. citizen, national, or resident alien
Child and Dependent Care Credit
If you pay for childcare while working or looking for work, you may qualify for this credit.
Credit Amount:
- 20-35% of qualifying expenses
- Up to $3,000 for one child
- Up to $6,000 for two or more
Qualifying Expenses:
- Day care / after-school care
- Babysitter or nanny
- Summer day camps
- Before/after school programs
Energy Tax Credits
The Inflation Reduction Act expanded tax credits for energy-efficient home improvements and clean energy.
Residential Clean Energy Credit
30% credit for:
- Solar panels and solar water heaters
- Wind turbines
- Geothermal heat pumps
- Battery storage (3+ kWh)
Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit
Up to $3,200 annually for:
- Heat pumps (up to $2,000)
- Insulation and air sealing
- Energy-efficient windows and doors
- Energy audits (up to $150)
Electric Vehicle Credits
- New EVs: Up to $7,500
- Used EVs: Up to $4,000
- Must meet price caps and income limits
- Vehicle must be assembled in North America (new)
Education Credits
American Opportunity Credit
- Up to $2,500 per student
- First 4 years of college
- 40% refundable (up to $1,000)
- Covers tuition, fees, books
Lifetime Learning Credit
- Up to $2,000 per return
- Any level of education
- No limit on years claimed
- Not refundable
Premium Tax Credit (Healthcare)
The Premium Tax Credit helps eligible individuals and families afford health insurance purchased through the Health Insurance Marketplace.
Eligibility:
- Purchase insurance through Healthcare.gov Marketplace
- Income between 100% and 400% of federal poverty level
- Not eligible for other coverage (employer, Medicaid, Medicare)
- File as married filing jointly (with some exceptions)
Important Tax Information
Tax laws change frequently. This information is for general educational purposes only and should not be considered tax advice. Always consult with a qualified tax professional for guidance specific to your situation.
For official tax information, visit IRS.gov.