You #EarnedIt. You Should Keep It!
The Comptroller’s Office is here to help Marylanders get the tax credits they’ve earned. The Child Tax Credit (CTC) and Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) are two important credits because they are refundable, which can lower your tax liability or increase your refund! These credits can help put money back in your pocket to help you and your family thrive!
There are State and federal versions of the EITC and CTC, so look out for these credits when filing your State and federal taxes.
What is the Child Tax Credit (CTC)?
The CTC is a $500 tax credit that helps parents cover the costs of raising kids by reducing the taxes they owe or increasing their refund.
Who is Eligible?
You are likely eligible for the CTC if you meet the following criteria:
- You are a resident of Maryland.
- Your Federal Adjusted Gross Income (FAGI) is $15,000 or less.
- You have a dependent under the age of 6 OR a dependent with a disability under the age of 17.
Federal CTC
The Federal CTC has different eligibility criteria and benefits. Learn more at their IRS webpage.
What is the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)?
The EITC is a tax credit for workers that can reduce the taxes you owe or increase your refund.
In Maryland, the EITC has two parts: a non-refundable and a refundable component. The first helps lower the taxes you owe, and the second helps increase your refund. So, even if you don’t owe any taxes, you may still qualify for a refund through the EITC. Marylanders who are eligible get approximately $1,100 from the state EITC… so make sure you file your taxes!
Who is Eligible?
You are likely eligible for the EITC if you meet the following criteria:
- You have earned income.
- You have a valid Social Security Number or Individual Tax Identification Number (Maryland EITC only) for yourself, your spouse (if married filing jointly), and your qualifying child.
- You are not the qualifying child of another person.
- Your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) for 2024 was at or below the amount in this chart (for your household size):
| Children or relatives claimed | Filing as single, head of household, married filing separately, or widowed | Filing as married filing jointly |
|---|---|---|
| Zero | $18,591 | $25,511 |
| One | $49,084 | $56,004 |
| Two | $55,768 | $62,688 |
| Three | $59,899 | $66,819 |
Source: Internal Revenue Service
Federal EITC
The Federal EITC has different eligibility criteria and benefits. Learn more at their IRS webpage.
Download the #EARNEDIT Fact Sheet
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I get the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit if I don’t owe taxes?
Yes. Both credits are refundable, meaning eligible taxpayers can receive money even if you don’t owe taxes. - How do I claim the Maryland Child Tax Credit?
Complete Maryland Form 502CR and follow the instructions on the form to claim the CTC. - How do I claim the federal Child Tax Credit?
For information on how to claim the federal CTC visit the IRS CTC webpage. - How do I claim the Maryland Earned Income Tax Credit?
Complete Maryland Form 502 and follow the instructions to claim the EITC and refundable earned income credit. - How do I claim the federal Earned Income Tax Credit?
For information on how to claim the federal EITC, visit the IRS EITC webpage. - Do I need children to qualify for the EITC?
Not necessarily. Some individuals without children may qualify for the EITC. - Is there an easy and free way to file my taxes online?
(New this year!) You can file your federal and state taxes for free with Direct File. For more information, visit https://marylandtaxes.gov/directfile - Need help filing your taxes or claiming any of these tax credits?
Visit one of our 11 branch offices across the state or a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Site.
