EITC Awareness Day 2026: Millions of Workers Are Still Leaving Money on the Table

.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: