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Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

OKC Tax Help is an accessible network of free tax resources that work to get you the refund you are owed. We work and live in your neighborhoods and community. We love this city and the people who make it special. We’re committed to helping more of our citizens claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), because, you earned it.

With VITA sites located across Oklahoma City, you have a lot of options! We recommend using an in-person VITA site location nearest you or a trusted IRS Partner listed under Free Online Filing Resources.

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The child tax credit is a credit for having dependent children younger than age 17. The Earned Income Credit (EIC) is a credit for certain lower-income taxpayers, with or without children. If you’re eligible, you can claim both credits.

You qualify for the full amount of the 2024 Child Tax Credit for each qualifying child if you meet all eligibility factors and your annual income is not more than $200,000 ($400,000 if filing a joint return).

Parents and guardians with higher incomes may be eligible to claim a partial credit.

 

Child Tax Credit Information
Check if you qualify

The VITA Program offers free tax help to people, between January and April, who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns. IRS-certified volunteers provide free basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals in local communities.

  1. Social Security cards for you, your spouse and dependents.
  2. Proof of identification (driver’s license, state photo ID or other government issued identification that includes a photo)
  3. An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) assignment letter may be substituted for you, your spouse and your dependents if you do not have a Social Security number
  4. Proof of foreign status, if applying for an ITIN
  5. Birth dates for you, your spouse and dependents on the tax return
  6. Wage and earning statements (Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R,1099-Misc) from all employers
  7. Social Security Benefit Statements (SSA-1099), if applicable
  8. Interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099)
  9. Health Insurance Exemption Certificate, if received
  10. A copy of last year’s federal and state returns, if available
  11. Proof of bank account routing and account numbers for direct deposit such as a blank check
  12. To file taxes electronically on a married-filing-joint tax return, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms
  13. Total paid for daycare provider and the daycare provider’s tax identifying number such as their Social Security number or business Employer Identification Number
  14. Forms 1095-A, B and C, Health Coverage Statements
  15. Copies of income transcripts from IRS and state, if applicable.

When claiming the EITC you cannot use your ITIN. You, your spouse (if filing jointly) and each qualifying child listed on Schedule EIC must have a Social Security number (SSN) issued on or before the due date of the return. Without an SSN you may no longer be eligible for the EITC.

You are still able to use ITIN to file your taxes at any VITA site for free.

EITC, Earned Income Tax Credit, is a benefit for working people, just like you. A tax credit means money in your pocket around the beginning of the new year. It reduces the amount of tax you owe and may also give you a refund.

  • You, your spouse (if you file a joint return) and all others listed on Schedule EITC
  • Must have a Social Security number that is valid for employment and is issued before the due date of the return including extensions
  • Your filing status cannot be married filing separately
  • You cannot be a qualifying child of another person
  • You must meet the earned income, AGI and investment income limits
  • Income limits change each year, see EITC Income Limits for the tax year amounts
  • And, you must meet one of the following:
    • Have a qualifying child
    • If you do not have a qualifying child, you must:
      • Be age 25 but under 65 at the end of the year
      • Live in the United States for more than half the year, and not qualify as a dependent of another person
Earned income includes all the taxable income and wages you get from working for someone else.
If you claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC), your refund may be delayed. You can expect to get your refund as soon as the first week of March if:
  • You file your return online
  • You choose to get your refund by direct deposit
  • No issues are found with your return
Most filers who will be receiving a direct deposit can usually expect to receive a refund in around 21 days. If you elect to receive your refund by check, it can take up to 1-2 months to receive your check by mail.
Visit Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)