How to File for the Earned Income Tax Credit Without Paying a Preparer
You can file for the EITC yourself using free IRS tools, or have a tax professional do it at no cost through a community program
The IRS offers several ways to claim the EITC without paying a tax preparer. The simplest route depends on how complex your tax situation is and whether you prefer to file online, by mail, or with help from a person.
If your income is under a certain threshold — this changes each year — you can use IRS Free File, which gives you access to brand-name tax software at no cost. If you prefer to work with someone in person, the IRS funds free tax preparation through VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) sites in most communities. Both routes handle the EITC calculation for you and file your return directly with the IRS.
Key Takeaways
- IRS Free File is available to you if your income falls below the annual threshold, which varies by year but is typically around $60,000 to $75,000 depending on filing status.
- VITA sites offer in-person tax help at no cost and are located through the IRS website or by calling 211; they handle the EITC calculation and file your return.
- You can also file by mail using Form 1040 and Schedule EIC, though this takes longer and requires you to calculate the credit yourself.
- The IRS will not contact you by phone, email, or text to claim your EITC — all legitimate outreach comes through official mail or the IRS website.
Using IRS Free File to claim the EITC online
IRS Free File is the fastest option if you have internet access and your income is below the annual threshold. You log into the software, answer questions about your income and household, and the program calculates your EITC automatically. You then file your return electronically, and the IRS processes it within 21 days if you choose direct deposit.
To use Free File, go to irs.gov/freefile and enter your income and filing status. The site will show you which software brands are available to you — options include TurboTax, H&R Block, TaxAct, and others. Each one is free for federal taxes; some charge for state returns if you need them. Download the software, create an account, and work through the interview at your own pace. You do not have to finish in one sitting.
You will need your Social Security number or ITIN, your spouse's if filing jointly, and your dependent children's numbers. Have your W-2 forms, 1099 forms, or other income documents ready. If you received unemployment benefits, stimulus payments, or child support, have those records too. The software walks you through what information it needs.
Getting free in-person help through VITA
VITA sites are staffed by trained volunteers and are free for people with low to moderate income. A VITA preparer will sit with you, ask about your income and household, and file your return including the EITC. You do not calculate anything yourself — the preparer does that work.
To find a VITA site near you, visit irs.gov/vita or call 211. Tell them your zip code and they will give you the nearest location, hours, and whether you need an appointment. Most sites operate during tax season (January through April), though some stay open year-round. Bring your Social Security number, your spouse's if filing jointly, and your dependent children's numbers. Bring all income documents: W-2s, 1099s, unemployment statements, anything showing money you received.
VITA sites can also help if you are filing a return for a prior year — for example, if you did not file in 2022 but want to claim the EITC for that year. The preparer can file an amended return or a late return, and you may still receive the credit. Ask the site whether they handle prior-year returns when you call.
Filing by mail if you prefer not to use the internet
You can file a paper return by mail and claim the EITC without using a computer. Download Form 1040 and Schedule EIC from irs.gov, or call 1-800-829-3676 and ask for them to be mailed to you. You will need to calculate your EITC yourself using the worksheet in the Schedule EIC instructions, or you can call the IRS at the same number and ask a representative to help you figure the amount.
Fill out the forms, sign and date them, and mail them to the IRS address listed in the Form 1040 instructions — the address depends on your state. Include copies (not originals) of your W-2s and any other income documents. Mail it early in the tax season so the IRS has time to process it. Paper returns typically take 6 to 8 weeks to process, compared to 21 days for electronic returns.
If you mail your return, keep a copy for your records. The IRS will send you a notice if they need more information or if they have questions about your EITC claim.
What documents you need to have ready
| Document Type | Why You Need It |
|---|---|
| Social Security numbers (yours, spouse's, dependents') | Required on the return and to verify the EITC claim |
| W-2 forms from your employer | Shows your wages and taxes withheld |
| 1099 forms (1099-NEC, 1099-MISC, 1099-G) | Shows self-employment income, freelance pay, or unemployment benefits |
| Proof of dependent relationship | Birth certificate or court order if claiming a child not biologically yours |
| Proof of residence | Utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement showing your address |
| Bank account information | Routing and account number if you want your refund by direct deposit |
Avoiding scams and fraudulent EITC claims
The IRS will never contact you by phone, email, or text message about your EITC. If someone calls claiming to be from the IRS and asks for payment or personal information, hang up. If you receive an email or text claiming to be from the IRS, do not click any links — forward it to phishing@irs.gov and delete it.
Be cautious of tax preparers who promise a larger refund than you expect, charge a percentage of your refund as their fee, or pressure you to sign before you have read the return. Legitimate free preparers do not charge you anything. If a preparer asks you to claim dependents you do not have or to report income you did not receive, that is fraud, and you are responsible for it even if the preparer suggested it.
If you have already filed a fraudulent return or suspect someone filed one using your information, contact the IRS Identity Theft Hotline at 1-800-908-4490. They will walk you through the steps to report it and protect your account.
What happens after you file
Once you file your return, the IRS processes it and sends you a notice showing the amount of your EITC. If you chose direct deposit, the money goes into your bank account. If you are owed a refund, it arrives as a check in the mail. The timeline depends on how you filed: electronic returns are processed within 21 days, paper returns within 6 to 8 weeks.
If the IRS has questions about your EITC claim — for example, if they want to verify that a dependent is actually your child — they will send you a letter. Respond to that letter within the deadline they give you. Do not ignore IRS mail, even if you think the question is a mistake. If you disagree with their decision, you can appeal it, and the letter will explain how.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file for the EITC if I did not work the whole year?
Yes. The EITC is based on your total income for the year, not on how many months you worked. If you earned income in any part of the year and meet the other requirements, you can claim it. Report all the income you received, even if it was only for a few months.
What if I do not have all my documents when I file?
You can still file. If you are missing a W-2 or 1099, contact your employer or the organization that paid you and ask them to send it. In the meantime, you can estimate your income on your return based on your pay stubs or bank deposits. If your estimate is wrong, you can file an amended return later once you have the correct documents. The IRS will not penalize you for filing with an estimate if you correct it.
Do I have to file a return to get the EITC?
Yes. You must file a tax return — either on paper or electronically — to claim the EITC. The IRS does not send the credit to you automatically. If you did not work or earn income, you do not have to file, but if you are owed an EITC, filing is how you receive it.
Can I claim the EITC if I am self-employed?
Yes. Self-employed income counts toward the EITC. You will need to report your net profit (income minus business expenses) on Schedule C, and the software or preparer will calculate your EITC based on that amount. Keep records of your business income and expenses in case the IRS asks.
What if I made a mistake on my return after I filed?
You can file an amended return using Form 1040-X. Mail it to the IRS address for your state, or ask a VITA preparer to help you file it. Include a note explaining what you are correcting. The IRS will process the amended return and send you a new notice showing the corrected EITC amount. You have three years from the original filing date to amend a return and claim a credit you missed.