What You'll Learn
- What the State Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is.
- Which states offer their own EITC.
- How this credit can add to your federal tax refund.
- Simple steps to claim your state EITC.
Many families and individuals work hard every day. To help these working people, the government has something called the Earned Income Tax Credit, or EITC. This credit can give you money back when you file your taxes or lower the amount of tax you owe.
You might already know about the federal EITC, which comes from the U.S. government. But here's good news: many states offer their *own* EITC! That means even more money could come back to you. As of 2026, 31 states, plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, have their own State Earned Income Tax Credits.
How State EITCs Work
Most state EITCs work in a simple way: they are a percentage of your federal EITC. So, if you get a federal EITC of $1,000, and your state's EITC is 20% of the federal amount, you would get an extra $200 from your state ($1,000 x 0.20 = $200). This can make a big difference in your pocket!
The exact percentage changes from state to state. Some states might give you a small percentage, while others offer a larger one. Some state EITCs are "refundable," which means if the credit is more than the tax you owe, the state will send you the difference as a refund. Other state EITCs are "non-refundable," meaning they can lower your tax bill to zero, but you won't get extra money back if there's still credit left over.
Which States Offer a State EITC?
There are many states that offer this helpful credit. It's a good idea to check if your state is on the list. These states and territories include:
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Puerto Rico
- Rhode Island
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Wisconsin
States can change their tax laws, so it’s always smart to double-check with your state’s tax department or a tax professional to see the most current rules for your specific area. You can often find this information on your [state's tax website](/guides/state-tax-resources/).
Who Can Get the EITC?
To get the State EITC, you usually need to meet the requirements for the federal EITC first. These rules look at things like your income, your family size, and if you have children. For example, if you don't have qualifying children, the income limit is lower. If you have three or more qualifying children, the income limit is higher. You can learn more about the federal rules in our article, [Understanding the Federal EITC](/articles/federal-eitc-explained/).
How to Apply for Your State EITC
Claiming your State EITC is usually very simple once you've figured out your federal EITC. Here's how you generally do it:
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File Your Federal Tax Return: First, you must file your federal tax return and claim your federal EITC. This is the starting point for almost all state EITCs.
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File Your State Tax Return: When you fill out your state income tax return, there will typically be a section or a special form to claim your state's EITC. The form will ask for information about your federal EITC amount.
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Let the Software Do the Work: If you use tax software (like TurboTax or H&R Block), it will usually calculate your federal and state EITCs for you automatically. You just need to answer the questions honestly.
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Check Your State's Tax Website: If you do your taxes by hand or want to be sure, visit your state's official tax website. They will have clear instructions and the forms you need. Sometimes, they have their own [EITC calculator](/tools/eitc-calculator/).
It's crucial to file both your federal and state taxes to make sure you get all the money you're owed. Don't leave money on the table!
Bottom Line
The State Earned Income Tax Credit is a real benefit for working individuals and families. By claiming this credit, you can get extra money back on your taxes, which can help with everyday costs. Remember to file your federal and state tax returns, and make sure you claim your EITC if you are eligible. It's your hard-earned money, and it's there to help you!