EIC

The American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (American Taxpayer Relief Act) makes permanent or extends enhancements to the earned income tax credit (EITC) provided by Bush-era and subsequent legislation. These enhancements include a simplified definition of earned income, reform of the relationship test and modification of the tie-breaking rule.

The EITC is a tax credit to help you keep more of what you earned. It is a refundable federal income tax credit for low to moderate income working individuals and families. Congress originally approved the tax credit legislation in 1975 in part to offset the burden of social security taxes and to provide an incentive to work. When EITC exceeds the amount of taxes owed, it results in a tax refund to those who claim and qualify for the credit.