.Every year, millions of working Americans miss out on money they’ve already earned — not because they did anything wrong, but because they don’t realize they qualify.
That’s why the IRS and its partners nationwide observe Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Awareness Day, a national reminder that refundable tax credits are available to help working individuals and families make ends meet.
In 2026, EITC Awareness Day is Friday, January 23, and the message is clear: if you work and earn income, you should take a moment to see whether the IRS owes you money.
What Is EITC Awareness Day?
EITC Awareness Day is part of a nationwide outreach campaign led by the IRS and the Taxpayer Advocate Service, with support from community organizations, employers, schools, and local governments.
The goal is to help low- and moderate-income workers understand and claim:
- The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
- The Child Tax Credit (CTC)
- The Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC)
- Other refundable credits that can significantly increase a tax refund
These credits were created by Congress to reward work and support families — but they only help if they’re claimed.
A Nationwide Outreach Effort
For more than 20 years, the IRS has partnered with trusted community groups across the country to spread awareness about the EITC.
This year is no different. IRS leaders and local partners are hosting events and sharing information to help taxpayers understand:
- What the EITC is
- Who qualifies
- How to claim it correctly
This outreach is critical because many eligible taxpayers never realize the credit applies to them.
Why the Earned Income Tax Credit Matters
The EITC was designed to:
- Reward work
- Reduce poverty
- Help families pay for essentials like housing, food, childcare, and transportation
For tax year 2024 alone:
- 23.5 million workers and families received the EITC
- About $68.5 billion was paid out nationwide
- The average EITC amount was $2,916 per household
Despite its impact, the IRS estimates that about 1 in 5 eligible taxpayers still do not claim the EITC. That means billions of dollars in earned benefits go unclaimed every year.
Common Reasons People Miss Out on the EITC
Many taxpayers qualify but lose the credit — or experience refund delays — due to common issues.
Confusion About Qualifying Children
EITC rules for qualifying children are not the same as Child Tax Credit rules. Children must meet specific relationship, age, residency, and filing status tests, and misunderstandings often lead to underclaiming or errors.
Filing Status Problems
Most married taxpayers must file Married Filing Jointly to claim the EITC. Some separated taxpayers may qualify as Head of Household, but only if strict IRS rules are met. Choosing the wrong status can cause lost credits or IRS notices.
Income and Documentation Errors
Only earned income (such as wages or self-employment income) counts for EITC purposes. Missing or incorrect Social Security numbers, mismatched employer wage reports, or inaccurate residency information can delay or deny the credit.
Help Is Available — and It’s Free
EITC Awareness Day also highlights that taxpayers don’t have to navigate this alone.
The IRS offers free tools, including:
- IRS EITC Assistant – Helps determine eligibility
- Child-Related Tax Benefits Comparison Tool – Explains eligibility rules across credits
Free, in-person help is also available through:
- Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)
- Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE)
These programs provide trained, IRS-certified volunteers who help eligible taxpayers file accurate returns and claim every credit they qualify for.
The IRS and Taxpayer Advocate Service also remind taxpayers to use reputable preparers and avoid scams. Taxpayers are ultimately responsible for what’s filed under their name, so accuracy matters.
How to Get Your Refund as Fast as Possible
If you qualify for the EITC, the IRS recommends:
- Filing your return electronically
- Choosing direct deposit
This is the fastest and safest way to receive your refund and helps avoid unnecessary delays.
When to Expect EITC Refunds in 2026
Because of federal law (the PATH Act), the IRS cannot issue refunds that include the EITC or ACTC before mid-February.
Here’s what early filers should know:
- Most EITC/ACTC refunds are expected to be available by March 2, 2026, if:
- Direct deposit is selected
- The return is accurate
- There are no additional issues
- Where’s My Refund? is expected to show projected deposit dates for most early EITC/ACTC filers by February 21, 2026
Some taxpayers may receive funds sooner, depending on their bank or financial institution.
The Bottom Line
Refundable tax credits like the EITC are not loopholes. They are intentional benefits created to support working people and strengthen families and communities.
EITC Awareness Day 2026 is a reminder to:
- Check your eligibility
- Use free tools or trusted help
- File an accurate tax return
If you qualify, claiming the EITC can put meaningful dollars back into your pocket — money you’ve already earned.
If you’re unsure whether you qualify, now is the perfect time to find out.
