Stop! Before you file your 2025 taxes in 2026, New York State is urging millions of residents to check for two major credits that could put over $1,700 directly back in your pocket. You might be leaving significant money on the table if you don’t review your eligibility for the enhanced Earned Income Tax Credit and Empire State Child Credit right now.
With the 2026 tax season underway, federal and state governments are pushing for what could be the biggest refunds in history. The Treasury Department confirms the average household refund is set to increase by $1,000. For New Yorkers, this means a critical double-check of state-specific benefits is essential to maximize your return.
What Are the Key Tax Credits for New York in 2026?
New York State is highlighting two crucial, money-saving credits for the 2025 tax year (filed in 2026). These are refundable, meaning you get the cash even if you don’t owe taxes.
| Credit Name | Key Benefit | Who It’s For |
|---|---|---|
| Earned Income Tax Credits (EITC) | Reduces tax bill & results in a refund. | Working individuals/families with income below $68,675. |
| Empire State Child Credit | Direct per-child credit to boost refunds. | Families with qualifying children under age 17. |
| Enhanced Federal Child Tax Credits | Larger federal credit per child. | Families across the U.S., boosting average refunds. |
| Working Families Tax Cuts | Bundle of federal changes. | Most working and middle-class taxpayers. |
These credits work together with new federal changes to create the potential for record-breaking refunds for eligible filers.
Who is Eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credits (EITC)?
The New York State EITC is a powerful benefit for low-to-moderate-income workers. You must meet all basic rules:
- You must have earned income from a job or self-employment in 2025.
- Your adjusted gross income (AGI) must be below the limit (e.g., $68,675 for a family with 3 children).
- You must have a valid Social Security Number.
- Your tax filing status cannot be “Married Filing Separately.”
- You must be a U.S. citizen or resident alien all year.
Income limits vary based on your filing status and number of qualifying children. The credit amount increases with more children, up to a maximum.
Who Qualifies for the Empire State Child Credit?
This is New York’s own child tax benefit, designed to supplement the federal credit. To qualify:
- You must have a qualifying child under age 17 at the end of 2025.
- The child must be your son, daughter, stepchild, foster child, sibling, or descendant.
- The child must have lived with you for more than half the year.
- You must be claiming the child as a dependent on your New York State return.
- Your income must fall within the specified state limits to receive the full credit.
How to Check Your Eligibility and Claim the Credits?
You don’t need a separate application. You claim these credits when you file your state and federal tax returns. Follow this process:
- Gather Your Documents: Collect all W-2s, 1099s, and records of child care expenses and income.
- Use Tax Software or a Professional: Reputable tax software (like TurboTax, H&R Block) or a tax preparer will ask guided questions to determine your eligibility for both federal and New York credits automatically.
- File Your Tax Return: Complete your Federal Form 1040 and your New York State IT-201 (or IT-203) return.
- Claim the Credits: The software or forms will have specific lines for the Federal Child Tax Credit, Earned Income Credit, and Empire State Child Credit.
- File and Get Your Refund: E-file with direct deposit for the fastest refund, which will include your state and federal credits.
What is the Official Website for More Information?
For accurate, official information from New York State, always refer to the government website.
- Official Source: New York State Department of Taxation and Finance.
- Official Website: https://www.tax.ny.gov/
- On this site, you can find forms, instructions, and detailed guides for the EITC and Child Credit.
How Much Money Could You Actually Get?
The amounts can be substantial, especially when combined.
- Federal Changes: The average tax cut for a family with two children is estimated at $1,700 due to the enhanced child tax credit.
- New York State Credits: The Empire State Child Credit provides 33% of the federal child tax credit you qualify for, adding hundreds more.
- EITC Boost: For the 2025 tax year, the maximum federal EITC is $7,830 for a family with three or more children. New York State offers a percentage of this.
In summary, taking 20 minutes to review your eligibility for these New York and federal credits could put hundreds, if not thousands, of extra dollars in your 2026 tax refund. Use trusted tax software, consult the official NY tax website, and ensure you claim every dollar you deserve in this historic refund season.
