Taxpayers are always very interested in the various tax credits that they can use to reduce their overall tax payments. The Earned Income Credit, commonly referred to as the EIC, is a tax credit which was established in an effort to help people who earn a low income to live as well as possible in their financial situation.

The earned income credit began in 1975. The idea was that the poor were just getting poorer with the taxes they were paying on top of a low income job. The credit gives back to taxpayers a good portion of the money that they paid in taxes throughout the year. In that way, families could keep more of what they earned.

As time has passed, the amount that the earned income credit returns to individuals has gone up. Supporters of the EIC assert that the earned income credit does more for low income workers than simply increasing the minimum wage would. This is because people who are awarded the EIC use the money they get back to make purchases that boost their local economy.

There are three types of EIC eligible incomes. The first is money that is earned at a job. This money would include any wages earned by means of tips. If you are given a bonus by your employer, it can also be counted towards the earned income credit.

Self-employed earnings are also eligible for the earned income credit. If you own your own business but the money you earn with it is not enough to sufficiently care for your family, you may be able to receive the EIC. Any and everything your business earns can be counted.

Lastly, money made by someone under your care is considered. Teenagers have weekend and/or summer jobs. The money may not be enough for them to file a return of their own, but it is added to what their parents earn. Together, the income determines the amount of the earned income tax credit you qualify to receive.

The IRS also counts any income from investments as income earned. If you have money made from investments or drew unemployment for a time during the year, this will affect your chances of receiving the earned income credit. Investment money earned which is over $2,800 can disqualify a taxpayer from the earned income credit.

Sadly, many tax filers are not even aware that they qualify for the earned income credit. Many people think they don't qualify or just are not aware of the EIC. Some people do not earn enough to have to file their taxes, but still qualify for the EIC. Be sure to check into the EIC so that you don't miss out on this opportunity.