2027 Tax Credit: Could Your Family Qualify for Up to $7,316?
By Lynda Becker • Updated Oct 15, 2026 • Reviewed by editorial
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Having two children does not automatically qualify a family for a $7,316 tax credit, but eligible working households could receive up to that amount when filing in 2027. The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) applies to income earned in 2026, with the final amount depending on earnings, filing status and qualifying children. The maximum is confirmed in the Congressional Research Service’s EITC overview.
Who Could Qualify?
Applicants must have earned income, such as wages, tips or self-employment income, and meet the program’s eligibility requirements.
For households with two qualifying children, the 2026 income cutoffs are:
| Filing status | Income cutoff |
|---|---|
| Married filing jointly | $65,899 |
| Single, head of household or qualifying surviving spouse | $58,629 |
The credit phases out as income rises and reaches zero at these thresholds. Earning less than the cutoff does not guarantee the maximum credit. The 2026 EITC income-limit table explains the amounts by household size and filing status.
Children must meet the IRS’s relationship, age and residency requirements, including generally living with the taxpayer in the United States for more than half the year. Valid Social Security numbers are also required. Families can review the IRS eligibility guidance before applying.
How to Claim the Credit
Eligible taxpayers must file a federal return using Form 1040 or Form 1040-SR. Those claiming qualifying children must also attach Schedule EIC, as explained in the IRS instructions for claiming the credit.
The EITC is refundable, meaning it can reduce taxes owed and provide a refund when the credit exceeds that tax liability. It is not an automatic payment to every family with two children.
When Could the Refund Arrive?
Families will claim the credit on their 2026 tax returns filed in 2027. By law, the IRS cannot issue refunds that include the EITC before mid-February. This restriction applies to the entire refund, not just the credit portion.
A specific 2027 payment date is not guaranteed. Processing depends on when the return is filed and whether additional review is needed. Taxpayers can follow the IRS refund-timing guidance and track their return through Where’s My Refund?.
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