Find news to share with your clients and other taxpayers, and tips and resources for following the rules for refundable credits.
Choose a Tax Preparer Wisely
For tips about how to choose a tax return preparer wisely, see need someone to prepare your tax return? and IRS videos on YouTube.
Claim Educational Tax Benefits
If you paused your educational goals or took classes online, you may still be eligible to claim the American Opportunities Tax Credit (AOTC). Tax credits for education such as the AOTC may reduce your tax up to $2,500 per eligible student. You may get up to $1,000 refunded to you even if you are not required to file a tax return.
You can claim a student for only 4 tax years. The years don’t have to be back-to-back and you can take the courses online.
If you don’t qualify for AOTC, consider claiming other educational tax benefits such as the Lifetime Learning Credit and the Tuition and Fees Deduction. For more details on these and other tax credits, see Tax Benefits for Education: Information Center.
To figure the credit, see Publication 596, Earned Income Credit.
How to Determine Eligibility for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
For help determining eligibility for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and how to file accurate EITC claims, see Who Qualifies for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) | Internal Revenue Service (irs.gov).
Is Your Address Up to Date?
Make sure you keep your address up to date with us to prevent delays in receiving letters or refunds we send. Get details on how to change your address.
When Can You Expect to Receive Your Refund?
If you claim the Earned Income Tax Credit or the Additional Child Tax Credit on your tax returns, we by law can’t send the refund before mid-February. For more details, see when to expect your refund if you claim the Earned Income Tax Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit.