The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), sometimes called the Earned Income Credit (EIC), is a refundable federal income tax credit for low-income working individuals and families.

To qualify, taxpayers must meet certain requirements and file a tax return, even if they did not earn enough money to be obligated to file a tax return. Your eligibility depends on such factors as your filing status, income level, and the number of qualifying children you have, if any.

The EITC has no effect on certain welfare benefits. In most cases, EITC payments will not be used to determine eligibility for Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), food stamps, low-income housing or most Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) payments. Special rules apply for calculating earned income for members of the U.S. Armed Forces in combat zones, members of the clergy, hurricane victims, and those with disability retirement income.

For more information about the Earned Income Tax Credit, visit www.irs.gov and search by keyword EIC.

Source: http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=96406,00.html