Many MS workers don’t claim this tax credit worth over $8K, IRS says. See if you qualify
Each tax filing period, many Mississippians fail to claim a tax credit that could put thousands of dollars back in their pockets.
About 20% of Mississippi workers failed to claim the Earned Income Tax Credit in 2022, according to the most recent data from the Internal Revenue Service.
This year, taxpayers could claim up to $8,046 from the EITC, the IRS said.
The IRS began accepting returns Jan. 26. Taxpayers have until April 15 to file their 2025 tax returns and pay. Here’s what to know.
What is the Earned Income Tax Credit?
The Earned Income Tax Credit reduces the amount of taxes owed and sometimes increases a refund for low to moderate income families, according to the IRS.
An estimated 324,900 Mississippians claimed the EITC, receiving a total of $1.1 billion statewide for the 2024 tax return period, IRS data shows. The average EITC amount Mississippians got was $3,480, about $586 higher than the national average, according to the data.
Across the United States, about 24 million workers and families claimed the EITC and received more than $70 billion, with the average amount being $2894 for tax year 2024, according to the IRS.
Which MS taxpayers qualify for this tax credit?
Mississippians must meet certain requirements and file a tax return — even if it’s not required for them — to qualify for the EITC. Certain requirements vary based on earned income tax levels, but here are the basics for the 2025 tax year:
Basic qualifying rules
- Have worked an earned income under $68,675
- Have investment income below $11,950
- Have a valid social security number
- Be a U.S. citizen or resident alien all year
- Not file Form 2555, Foreign Earned Income
- Meet certain rules if you are separated from your spouse and not filing a joint return
How to claim the EITC
To claim the EITC in Mississippi for yourself, file either your Form 1040 or 1040-SR. If you’re claiming the tax credit for a qualifying child, complete and attach the Schedule EIC (Form 1040 or 1040-SR) with your tax return.
Your tax refund could be delayed if you claim the EITC as the IRS can’t issue the refunds before mid-February, officials said. Most refunds should be received by March 2, 2026.
It’s possible to claim the EITC for up to three years prior, according to the IRS. Here are the due dates for each eligible year:
- 2024: file return by April 17, 2028
- 2023: file return by April 15, 2027
- 2022: file return by April 15, 2026
If you already filed a tax return without claiming the EITC, you can file an amended return, Form 1040-X, according to the IRS.
