§32. Earned income
(a) Allowance of credit
(1) In general
In the case of an eligible individual, there shall be allowed as a credit against the tax imposed by this subtitle for the taxable year an amount equal to the credit percentage of so much of the taxpayer's earned income for the taxable year as does not exceed the earned income amount.
(2) Limitation
The amount of the credit allowable to a taxpayer under paragraph (1) for any taxable year shall not exceed the excess (if any) of-
(A) the credit percentage of the earned income amount, over
(B) the phaseout percentage of so much of the modified adjusted gross income (or, if greater, the earned income) of the taxpayer for the taxable year as exceeds the phaseout amount.
(b) Percentages and amounts
For purposes of subsection (a)-
(1) Percentages
The credit percentage and the phaseout percentage shall be determined as follows:
(A) In general
In the case of taxable years beginning after 1995:
In the case of an eligible individual with: | The credit percentage is: | The phaseout percentage is: |
---|---|---|
1 qualifying child | 34 | 15.98 |
2 or more qualifying children | 40 | 21.06 |
No qualifying children | 7.65 | 7.65 |
(B) Transitional percentages for 1995
In the case of taxable years beginning in 1995:
In the case of an eligible individual with: | The credit percentage is: | The phaseout percentage is: |
---|---|---|
1 qualifying child | 34 | 15.98 |
2 or more qualifying children | 36 | 20.22 |
No qualifying children | 7.65 | 7.65 |
(C) Transitional percentages for 1994
In the case of a taxable year beginning in 1994:
In the case of an eligible individual with: | The credit percentage is: | The phaseout percentage is: |
---|---|---|
1 qualifying child | 26.3 | 15.98 |
2 or more qualifying children | 30 | 17.68 |
No qualifying children | 7.65 | 7.65 |
(2) Amounts
The earned income amount and the phaseout amount shall be determined as follows:
In the case of an eligible individual with: | The earned income amount is: | The phaseout amount is: |
---|---|---|
1 qualifying child | $6,330 | $11,610 |
2 or more qualifying children | $8,890 | $11,610 |
No qualifying children | $4,220 | $5,280 |
(c) Definitions and special rules
For purposes of this section-
(1) Eligible individual
(A) In general
The term "eligible individual" means-
(i) any individual who has a qualifying child for the taxable year, or
(ii) any other individual who does not have a qualifying child for the taxable year, if-
(I) such individual's principal place of abode is in the United States for more than one-half of such taxable year,
(II) such individual (or, if the individual is married, either the individual or the individual's spouse) has attained age 25 but not attained age 65 before the close of the taxable year, and
(III) such individual is not a dependent for whom a deduction is allowable under section 151 to another taxpayer for any taxable year beginning in the same calendar year as such taxable year.
For purposes of the preceding sentence, marital status shall be determined under section 7703.
(B) Qualifying child ineligible
If an individual is the qualifying child of a taxpayer for any taxable year of such taxpayer beginning in a calendar year, such individual shall not be treated as an eligible individual for any taxable year of such individual beginning in such calendar year.
(C) 2 or more eligible individuals
If 2 or more individuals would (but for this subparagraph and after application of subparagraph (B)) be treated as eligible individuals with respect to the same qualifying child for taxable years beginning in the same calendar year, only the individual with the highest modified adjusted gross income for such taxable years shall be treated as an eligible individual with respect to such qualifying child.
(D) Exception for individual claiming benefits under section 911
The term "eligible individual" does not include any individual who claims the benefits of section 911 (relating to citizens or residents living abroad) for the taxable year.
(E) Limitation on eligibility of nonresident aliens
The term "eligible individual" shall not include any individual who is a nonresident alien individual for any portion of the taxable year unless such individual is treated for such taxable year as a resident of the United States for purposes of this chapter by reason of an election under subsection (g) or (h) of section 6013.
(F) Identification number requirement
No credit shall be allowed under this section to an eligible individual who does not include on the return of tax for the taxable year-
(i) such individual's taxpayer identification number, and
(ii) if the individual is married (within the meaning of section 7703), the taxpayer identification number of such individual's spouse.
(G) Individuals who do not include TIN, etc., of any qualifying child
No credit shall be allowed under this section to any eligible individual who has one or more qualifying children if no qualifying child of such individual is taken into account under subsection (b) by reason of paragraph (3)(D).
(2) Earned income
(A) The term "earned income" means-
(i) wages, salaries, tips, and other employee compensation, plus
(ii) the amount of the taxpayer's net earnings from self-employment for the taxable year (within the meaning of section 1402(a)), but such net earnings shall be determined with regard to the deduction allowed to the taxpayer by section 164(f).
(B) For purposes of subparagraph (A)-
(i) the earned income of an individual shall be computed without regard to any community property laws,
(ii) no amount received as a pension or annuity shall be taken into account,
(iii) no amount to which section 871(a) applies (relating to income of nonresident alien individuals not connected with United States business) shall be taken into account,
(iv) no amount received for services provided by an individual while the individual is an inmate at a penal institution shall be taken into account, and
(v) no amount described in subparagraph (A) received for service performed in work activities as defined in paragraph (4) or (7) of section 407(d) of the Social Security Act to which the taxpayer is assigned under any State program under part A of title IV of such Act shall be taken into account, but only to the extent such amount is subsidized under such State program.
(3) Qualifying child
(A) In general
The term "qualifying child" means, with respect to any taxpayer for any taxable year, an individual-
(i) who bears a relationship to the taxpayer described in subparagraph (B),
(ii) except as provided in subparagraph (B)(iii), who has the same principal place of abode as the taxpayer for more than one-half of such taxable year, and
(iii) who meets the age requirements of subparagraph (C).
(B) Relationship test
(i) In general
An individual bears a relationship to the taxpayer described in this subparagraph if such individual is-
(I) a son or daughter of the taxpayer, or a descendant of either,
(II) a stepson or stepdaughter of the taxpayer, or
(III) an eligible foster child of the taxpayer.
(ii) Married children
Clause (i) shall not apply to any individual who is married as of the close of the taxpayer's taxable year unless the taxpayer is entitled to a deduction under section 151 for such taxable year with respect to such individual (or would be so entitled but for paragraph (2) or (4) of section 152(e)).
(iii) Eligible foster child
For purposes of clause (i)(III), the term "eligible foster child" means an individual not described in clause (i)(I) or (II) who-
(I) is a brother, sister, stepbrother, or stepsister of the taxpayer (or a descendant of any such relative) or is placed with the taxpayer by an authorized placement agency,
(II) the taxpayer cares for as the taxpayer's own child, and
(III) has the same principal place of abode as the taxpayer for the taxpayer's entire taxable year.
(iv) Adoption
For purposes of this subparagraph, a child who is legally adopted, or who is placed with the taxpayer by an authorized placement agency for adoption by the taxpayer, shall be treated as a child by blood.
(C) Age requirements
An individual meets the requirements of this subparagraph if such individual-
(i) has not attained the age of 19 as of the close of the calendar year in which the taxable year of the taxpayer begins,
(ii) is a student (as defined in section 151(c)(4)) who has not attained the age of 24 as of the close of such calendar year, or
(iii) is permanently and totally disabled (as defined in section 22(e)(3)) at any time during the taxable year.
(D) Identification requirements
(i) In general
A qualifying child shall not be taken into account under subsection (b) unless the taxpayer includes the name, age, and TIN of the qualifying child on the return of tax for the taxable year.
(ii) Other methods
The Secretary may prescribe other methods for providing the information described in clause (i).
(E) Abode must be in the United States
The requirements of subparagraphs (A)(ii) and (B)(iii)(II) shall be met only if the principal place of abode is in the United States.
(4) Treatment of military personnel stationed outside the United States
For purposes of paragraphs (1)(A)(ii)(I) and (3)(E), the principal place of abode of a member of the Armed Forces of the United States shall be treated as in the United States during any period during which such member is stationed outside the United States while serving on extended active duty with the Armed Forces of the United States. For purposes of the preceding sentence, the term "extended active duty" means any period of active duty pursuant to a call or order to such duty for a period in excess of 90 days or for an indefinite period.
(5) Modified adjusted gross income
(A) In general
The term "modified adjusted gross income" means adjusted gross income determined without regard to the amounts described in subparagraph (B) and increased by the amounts described in subparagraph (C).
(B) Certain amounts disregarded
An amount is described in this subparagraph if it is-
(i) the amount of losses from sales or exchanges of capital assets in excess of gains from such sales or exchanges to the extent such amount does not exceed the amount under section 1211(b)(1),
(ii) the net loss from estates and trusts,
(iii) the excess (if any) of amounts described in subsection (i)(2)(C)(ii) over the amounts described in subsection (i)(2)(C)(i) (relating to nonbusiness rents and royalties), or
(iv) 75 percent of the net loss from the carrying on of trades or businesses, computed separately with respect to-
(I) trades or businesses (other than farming) conducted as sole proprietorships,
(II) trades or businesses of farming conducted as sole proprietorships, and
(III) other trades or businesses.
For purposes of clause (iv), there shall not be taken into account items which are attributable to a trade or business which consists of the performance of services by the taxpayer as an employee.
(C) Certain amounts included
An amount is described in this subparagraph if it is-
(i) interest received or accrued during the taxable year which is exempt from tax imposed by this chapter; or
(ii) amounts received as a pension or annuity, and any distributions or payments received from an individual retirement plan, by the taxpayer during the taxable year to the extent not included in gross income.
Clause (ii) shall not include any amount which is not includible in gross income by reason of a trustee-to-trustee transfer or a rollover distribution.
(d) Married individuals
In the case of an individual who is married (within the meaning of section 7703), this section shall apply only if a joint return is filed for the taxable year under section 6013.
(e) Taxable year must be full taxable year
Except in the case of a taxable year closed by reason of the death of the taxpayer, no credit shall be allowable under this section in the case of a taxable year covering a period of less than 12 months.
(f) Amount of credit to be determined under tables
(1) In general
The amount of the credit allowed by this section shall be determined under tables prescribed by the Secretary.
(2) Requirements for tables
The tables prescribed under paragraph (1) shall reflect the provisions of subsections (a) and (b) and shall have income brackets of not greater than $50 each-
(A) for earned income between $0 and the amount of earned income at which the credit is phased out under subsection (b), and
(B) for modified adjusted gross income between the dollar amount at which the phaseout begins under subsection (b) and the amount of modified adjusted gross income at which the credit is phased out under subsection (b).
(g) Coordination with advance payments of earned income credit
(1) Recapture of excess advance payments
If any payment is made to the individual by an employer under section 3507 during any calendar year, then the tax imposed by this chapter for the individual's last taxable year beginning in such calendar year shall be increased by the aggregate amount of such payments.
(2) Reconciliation of payments advanced and credit allowed
Any increase in tax under paragraph (1) shall not be treated as tax imposed by this chapter for purposes of determining the amount of any credit (other than the credit allowed by subsection (a)) allowable under this subpart.
(h) Reduction of credit to taxpayers subject to alternative minimum tax
The credit allowed under this section for the taxable year shall be reduced by the amount of tax imposed by section 55 (relating to alternative minimum tax) with respect to such taxpayer for such taxable year.
(i) Denial of credit for individuals having excessive investment income
(1) In general
No credit shall be allowed under subsection (a) for the taxable year if the aggregate amount of disqualified income of the taxpayer for the taxable year exceeds $2,200.
(2) Disqualified income
For purposes of paragraph (1), the term "disqualified income" means-
(A) interest or dividends to the extent includible in gross income for the taxable year,
(B) interest received or accrued during the taxable year which is exempt from tax imposed by this chapter,
(C) the excess (if any) of-
(i) gross income from rents or royalties not derived in the ordinary course of a trade or business, over
(ii) the sum of-
(I) the deductions (other than interest) which are clearly and directly allocable to such gross income, plus
(II) interest deductions properly allocable to such gross income,
(D) the capital gain net income (as defined in section 1222) of the taxpayer for such taxable year, and
(E) the excess (if any) of-
(i) the aggregate income from all passive activities for the taxable year (determined without regard to any amount included in earned income under subsection (c)(2) or described in a preceding subparagraph), over
(ii) the aggregate losses from all passive activities for the taxable year (as so determined).
For purposes of subparagraph (E), the term "passive activity" has the meaning given such term by section 469.
(j) Inflation adjustments
(1) In general
In the case of any taxable year beginning after 1996, each of the dollar amounts in subsections (b)(2) and (i)(1) shall be increased by an amount equal to-
(A) such dollar amount, multiplied by
(B) the cost-of-living adjustment determined under section 1(f)(3) for the calendar year in which the taxable year begins, determined by substituting "calendar year 1995" for "calendar year 1992" in subparagraph (B) thereof.
(2) Rounding
(A) In general
If any dollar amount in subsection (b)(2), after being increased under paragraph (1), is not a multiple of $10, such dollar amount shall be rounded to the nearest multiple of $10.
(B) Disqualified income threshold amount
If the dollar amount in subsection (i)(1), after being increased under paragraph (1), is not a multiple of $50, such amount shall be rounded to the next lowest multiple of $50.
(k) Restrictions on taxpayers who improperly claimed credit in prior year
(1) Taxpayers making prior fraudulent or reckless claims
(A) In general
No credit shall be allowed under this section for any taxable year in the disallowance period.
(B) Disallowance period
For purposes of paragraph (1), the disallowance period is-
(i) the period of 10 taxable years after the most recent taxable year for which there was a final determination that the taxpayer's claim of credit under this section was due to fraud, and
(ii) the period of 2 taxable years after the most recent taxable year for which there was a final determination that the taxpayer's claim of credit under this section was due to reckless or intentional disregard of rules and regulations (but not due to fraud).
(2) Taxpayers making improper prior claims
In the case of a taxpayer who is denied credit under this section for any taxable year as a result of the deficiency procedures under subchapter B of chapter 63, no credit shall be allowed under this section for any subsequent taxable year unless the taxpayer provides such information as the Secretary may require to demonstrate eligibility for such credit.
(l) Coordination with certain means-tested programs
For purposes of-
(1) the United States Housing Act of 1937,
(2) title V of the Housing Act of 1949,
(3) section 101 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1965,
(4) sections 221(d)(3), 235, and 236 of the National Housing Act, and
(5) the Food Stamp Act of 1977,
any refund made to an individual (or the spouse of an individual) by reason of this section, and any payment made to such individual (or such spouse) by an employer under section 3507, shall not be treated as income (and shall not be taken into account in determining resources for the month of its receipt and the following month).
(m) Identification numbers
Solely for purposes of subsections (c)(1)(F) and (c)(3)(D), a taxpayer identification number means a social security number issued to an individual by the Social Security Administration (other than a social security number issued pursuant to clause (II) (or that portion of clause (III) that relates to clause (II)) of section 205(c)(2)(B)(i) of the Social Security Act).
(n) Supplemental child credit
(1) In general
In the case of a taxpayer with respect to whom a credit is allowed under section 24(a) for the taxable year, the credit otherwise allowable under this section shall be increased by the lesser of-
(A) the excess of-
(i) the credits allowed under subpart A (determined after the application of section 26 and without regard to this subsection), over
(ii) the credits which would be allowed under subpart A after the application of section 26, determined without regard to section 24 and this subsection; or
(B) the excess of-
(i) the sum of the credits allowed under this part (determined without regard to sections 31, 33, and 34 and this subsection), over
(ii) the sum of the regular tax and the Social Security taxes (as defined in section 24(d)).
The credit determined under this subsection shall be allowed without regard to any other provision of this section, including subsection (d).
(2) Coordination with other credits
The amount of the credit under this subsection shall reduce the amount of the credits otherwise allowable under subpart A for the taxable year (determined after the application of section 26), but the amount of the credit under this subsection (and such reduction) shall not be taken into account in determining the amount of any other credit allowable under this part.
(Added
Earned Income Credit Adjustment for Tax Years Beginning in 2000
For adjustment of earned income credit under this section for tax years beginning in 2000, see section 3.03 of Revenue Procedure 99–42, set out as a note under section 1 of this title.
References in Text
The Social Security Act, referred to in subsecs. (c)(2)(B)(v) and (m), is act Aug. 14, 1935, ch. 531,
The United States Housing Act of 1937, referred to in subsec. (l)(1), is act Sept. 1, 1937, ch. 896, as revised generally by
The Housing Act of 1949, referred to in subsec. (l)(2), is act July 15, 1949, ch. 338,
Section 101 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1965, referred to in subsec. (l)(3), is section 101 of
Sections 221(d)(3), 235, and 236 of the National Housing Act, referred to in subsec. (l)(4), are classified to sections 1715l(d)(3), 1715z, and 1715z–1, respectively, of Title 12.
The Food Stamp Act of 1977, referred to in subsec. (l)(5), is
Prior Provisions
A prior section 32 was renumbered section 33 of this title.
Amendments
1999-Subsec. (c)(3)(B)(iii).
1998-Subsec. (c)(1)(F).
Subsec. (c)(1)(G).
Subsec. (c)(2)(B)(v).
Subsec. (c)(3)(A)(ii) to (iv).
Subsec. (c)(3)(D)(i).
Subsec. (c)(5)(A).
Subsec. (c)(5)(B).
"(III) other trades or businesses
"(v) interest received or accrued during the taxable year which is exempt from tax imposed by this chapter, and
"(vi) amounts received as a pension or annuity, and any distributions or payments received from an individual retirement plan, by the taxpayer during the taxable year to the extent not included in gross income.
For purposes of clause (iv), there shall not be taken into account items which are attributable to a trade or business which consists of the performance of services by the taxpayer as an employee. Clause (vi) shall not include any amount which is not includible in gross income by reason of section 402(c), 403(a)(4), 403(b), 408(d)(3), (4), or (5), or 457(e)(10)."
Subsec. (c)(5)(C).
Subsecs. (m), (n).
"(1)
"(2)
"(A) the amount determined under section 24(d)(1)(A), over
"(B) the amount determined under section 24(d)(1)(B).
The amounts referred to in subparagraphs (A) and (B) shall be determined as if section 24(d) applied to all taxpayers.
"(3)
1997-Subsec. (c)(2)(B)(v).
Subsec. (c)(4).
Subsec. (c)(5)(B).
Subsec. (c)(5)(B)(iv).
Subsec. (c)(5)(B)(v), (vi).
Subsec. (k).
Subsec. (l).
Subsec. (m).
1996-Subsec. (a)(2)(B).
Subsec. (b)(2).
Subsec. (c)(1)(C).
Subsec. (c)(1)(F).
Subsec. (c)(5).
Subsec. (f)(2)(B).
Subsec. (i)(1).
Subsec. (i)(2).
Subsec. (j).
"(1)
"(A) such dollar amount, multiplied by
"(B) the cost-of-living adjustment determined under section 1(f)(3), for the calendar year in which the taxable year begins, by substituting 'calendar year 1993' for 'calendar year 1992'.
"(2)
Subsec. (l).
1995-Subsecs. (i) to (k).
1994-Subsec. (c)(1)(E).
Subsec. (c)(2)(B)(iv).
Subsec. (c)(3)(D)(i).
"(I) the taxpayer includes the name and age of each qualifying child (without regard to this subparagraph) on the return of tax for the taxable year, and
"(II) in the case of an individual who has attained the age of 1 year before the close of the taxpayer's taxable year, the taxpayer includes the taxpayer identification number of such individual on such return of tax for such taxable year."
Subsec. (c)(4).
1993-Subsec. (a).
"(1) the basic earned income credit, and
"(2) the health insurance credit."
Subsec. (b).
Subsec. (c)(1)(A).
Subsec. (c)(3)(D)(ii).
Subsec. (i)(1).
"(A) such dollar amount, multiplied by
"(B) the cost-of-living adjustment determined under section 1(f)(3), for the calendar year in which the taxable year begins, by substituting 'calendar year 1984' for 'calendar year 1989' in subparagraph (B) thereof."
Subsec. (i)(2), (3).
1990-Subsec. (a).
Subsec. (b).
"(1) the maximum credit allowable under subsection (a) to any taxpayer, over
"(2) 10 percent of so much of the adjusted gross income (or, if greater, the earned income) of the taxpayer for the taxable year as exceeds $9,000.
In the case of any taxable year beginning in 1987, paragraph (2) shall be applied by substituting '$6,500' for '$9,000'."
Subsec. (c).
Subsec. (i)(1)(B).
Subsec. (i)(2)(A).
Subsec. (i)(2)(B).
"(i) the $5,714 amount contained in subsection (a),
"(ii) the $6,500 amount contained in the last sentence of subsection (b), and
"(iii) the $9,000 amount contained in subsection (b)(2)."
Subsec. (j).
1988-Subsec. (h).
Subsec. (i)(3).
1986-Subsec. (a).
Subsec. (b).
"(1) $550, over
"(2) 122/9 percent of so much of the adjusted gross income (or, if greater, the earned income) of the taxpayer for the taxable year as exceeds $6,500."
Subsec. (c)(1)(A)(i).
Subsec. (c)(1)(C).
"(i) section 911 (relating to citizens or residents of the United States living abroad),
"(ii) section 931 (relating to income from sources within possessions of the United States)."
Subsec. (d).
Subsec. (f)(2)(A), (B).
"(A) for earned income between $0 and $11,000, and
"(B) for adjusted gross income between $6,500 and $11,000."
Subsec. (i).
1984-
Subsec. (a).
Subsec. (b)(1).
Subsec. (b)(2).
Subsec. (c)(1)(A)(i).
Subsec. (c)(1)(B).
Subsec. (f)(2)(A).
Subsec. (f)(2)(B).
Subsec. (h).
1983-Subsec. (c)(2)(A)(ii).
1981-Subsec. (c)(1)(C).
1980-Subsec. (c)(1)(C).
Subsecs. (g), (h).
1978-Subsec. (a).
Subsec. (b).
Subsec. (c)(1).
Subsec. (c)(1)(C).
Subsec. (c)(2)(B).
Subsec. (f).
Subsec. (h).
1976-Subsec. (a).
Subsec. (b).
Subsec. (c)(1)(A).
1975-Subsec. (a).
Subsec. (b).
Effective Date of 1999 Amendment
Effective Date of 1998 Amendment
"(1)
"(2)
Amendment by sections 6003(b) and 6010(p)(1), (2) of
Effective Date of 1997 Amendment
Amendment by section 101(b) of
Amendment by section 312(d)(2) of
Section 1085(e) of
"(1) The amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section and sections 6213 and 6695 of this title] shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 1996.
"(2) The amendments made by subsections (b), (c), and (d) [amending this section] shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 1997."
Effective Date of 1996 Amendment
Section 451(d) of
Section 909(c) of
"(1)
"(2)
Section 910(c) of
"(1)
"(2)
Effective Date of 1995 Amendment
Section 4(b) of
Effective Date of 1994 Amendment
Section 721(d)(1) of
Section 722(b) of
Section 723(b) of
Section 742(c) of
"(1)
"(2)
"(A) returns for taxable years beginning in 1995 with respect to individuals who are born after October 31, 1995, and
"(B) returns for taxable years beginning in 1996 with respect to individuals who are born after November 30, 1996."
Effective Date of 1993 Amendment
Section 13131(e) of
Effective Date of 1990 Amendment
Amendment by section 11101(d)(1)(B) of
Section 11111(f) of
Effective Date of 1988 Amendment
Amendment by
Effective Date of 1986 Amendment
Amendment by sections 104(b)(1)(B) and 111(a)–(d)(1) of
Amendment by section 1272(d)(4) of
Amendment by section 1301(j)(8) of
Effective Date of 1984 Amendment
Amendment by section 423(c)(3) of
Section 1042(e) of
Effective Date of 1983 Amendment
Amendment by
Effective Date of 1981 Amendment
Amendment by
Effective Date of 1980 Amendment
Section 101(b)(1)(A) of
Section 201 of
Effective Date of 1978 Amendment
Section 104(f) of
Section 105(g)(1) of
Effective Date of 1978 Amendment; Election of Prior Law
Amendment by
Effective and Termination Dates of 1976 Amendment
Section 401(e) of
Effective and Termination Dates of 1975 Amendments
Section 2(g) of
Section 209(b) of
Program To Increase Public Awareness
Secretary of the Treasury, or Secretary's delegate, to establish taxpayer awareness program to inform taxpaying public of availability of earned income credit and child health insurance under this section, see section 11114 of
Employee Notification
Section 111(e) of
Disregard of Refund for Determination of Eligibility for Federal Benefits or Assistance
Section 2(d) of
[Section 105(g)(3) of
Section Referred to in Other Sections
This section is referred to in sections 24, 86, 129, 995, 3507, 6051, 6211, 6213, 6695 of this title; title 2 section 905; title 42 sections 502, 653, 1382a, 1382b.