Today TaxMama hears from Kathy in New Mexico who says. “My husband has his full VA disability and Social Security disability. I do not work. Are we entitled to the earned income tax credit (EITC)? We do not file taxes. Are we entitled to file for the last stimulus check, or is to late?”
Dear Kathy,
Well, to answer your last question first, you’re not too late for the Stimulus check. You’re too late to get it this year. But if you file a tax return early next year, you will still get the money. You’ll be able to file online for free, using the Free File Alliance, if you like.
https://www.irs.gov/efile/article/0,,id=118986,00.html
Or you can go to a VITA site, where IRS volunteers can work with you in person and answer your questions. Again, no charge for the service.
AARP’s TaxAide is also a VITA service – and they specialize in seniors.
https://www.aarp.org/money/taxaide/
Now, back to your first question. Do you qualify for the earned income credit?
By definition, it’s a credit to help people who work (earned income) but are substantially underpaid. Pension and Social Security income doesn’t qualify you for the EITC. Only wages and self-employment income. You can read more about the earned income tax credit here:
See all the great information available online. You just need to know where to find it! You’re making a good start.
And remember, you can find answers to all kinds of questions about senior tax issues and other tax issues, free. Where? Where else? At TaxMama.com
[Note: If you were subscribed to the e-mailed TaxQuips, you’d be getting other exciting news and tips by e-mail, that never appear on the site. Please click on the subscribe link and join us.]- Ask TaxMama :: Where taxes are fun and answers are free
- www.TaxQuips.com :: The number ONE free tax podcast online
- IRS VITA Program :: Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program
- AARP’s TaxAide :: Another free program under VITA and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE)
- IRS EITC website :: earned income tax credit
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