§ 32. Earned income
(a) Allowance of credit
(1) In general
In the case of an eligible individual, there
shall be allowed as a credit against the tax im-
posed by this subtitle for the taxable year an
amount equal to the credit percentage of so
much of the taxpayer’s earned income for the
taxable year as does not exceed the earned in-
come amount.
(2) Limitation
The amount of the credit allowable to a tax-
payer under paragraph (1) for any taxable year
shall not exceed the excess (if any) of—
(A) the credit percentage of the earned in-
come amount, over
(B) the phaseout percentage of so much of
the adjusted gross income (or, if greater, the
earned income) of the taxpayer for the tax-
able year as exceeds the phaseout amount.
(b) Percentages and amounts
For purposes of subsection (a)—
(1) Percentages
The credit percentage and the phaseout per-
centage shall be determined as follows:
In the case of an eligible
individual with:
The credit
percentage
is:
The
phaseout
percentage
is:
1 qualifying child .........
34 ................
15.98
2 qualifying children ....
40 ................
21.06
3 or more qualifying
children.
45 ................
21.06
No qualifying children
7.65 ..............
7.65
(2) Amounts
(A) In general
Subject to subparagraph (B), the earned
income amount and the phaseout amount
shall be determined as follows:
In the case of an eligible
individual with:
The earned
income
amount is:
The
phaseout
amount is:
1 qualifying child .........
$6,330 ...........
$11,610
2 or more qualifying
children.
$8,890 ...........
$11,610
No qualifying children
$4,220 ...........
$5,280
(B) Joint returns
In the case of a joint return filed by an eli-
gible
individual
and
such
individual’s
spouse, the phaseout amount determined
under subpara
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Page 136
TITLE 26—INTERNAL REVENUE CODE
§ 32
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1984 AMENDMENT
Pub. L. 98–369, div. A, title VII, § 715, July 18, 1984, 98
Stat. 966, provided that: ‘‘Any amendment made by this
subtitle [subtitle A (§§ 711–715) of title VII of Pub. L.
98–369, see Tables for classification] shall take effect as
if included in the provision of the Tax Equity and Fis-
cal Responsibility Act of 1982 [Pub. L. 97–248] to which
such amendment relates.’’
EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1983 AMENDMENT
Pub. L. 98–67, title I, § 110, Aug. 5, 1983, 97 Stat. 384,
provided that:
‘‘(a) GENERAL RULE.—Except as otherwise provided in
this section, the amendments made by this title [enact-
ing sections 3406 and 6705 of this title, amending this
section and sections 274, 275, 643, 661, 3402, 3403, 3502,
3507, 6011, 6013, 6015, 6042, 6044, 6049, 6051, 6365, 6401, 6413,
6652, 6653, 6654, 6676, 6678, 6682, 7205, 7215, 7431, 7654, and
7701 of this title, repealing sections 3451 to 3456 of this
title, enacting provisions set out as notes under sec-
tions 1, 3451, and 6011 of this title, and repealing provi-
sions set out as a note under section 3451 of this title]
shall apply with respect to payments made after De-
cember 31, 1983.
‘‘(b) SECTION 102.—The amendments made by section
102 [amending this section and sections 274, 275, 643, 661,
3403, 3502, 3507, 6013, 6015, 6042, 6044, 6049, 6051, 6365, 6401,
6413, 6654, 6682, 7205, 7215, 7654, and 7701 of this title, re-
pealing sections 3451 to 3456 of this title, enacting pro-
visions set out as a note under section 3451 of this title,
and repealing provisions set out as a note under section
3451 of this title] shall take effect as of the close of
June 30, 1983.
‘‘(c) SECTIONS 104(b) AND 107.—The amendments made
by sections 104(b) and 107 [amending sections 6682, 7205,
and 7431 of this title] shall take effect on the date of
the enactment of this Act [Aug. 5, 1983].’’
Pub. L. 97–448, title III, § 311(d), Jan. 12, 1983, 96 Stat.
2412, provided that: ‘‘The amendments made by section
306 [amending this section and sections 48, 55, 263, 291,
312, 338, 401, 501, 1232, 6038A, 6226, 6228, 6679, and 7701 of
this title, enacting provisions set out as notes under
sections 338 and 1232 of this title, and amending provi-
sions set out as notes under sections 56, 72, 101, 103, 168,
302, 311, 338, 415, 907, and 5701 of this title] shall take ef-
fect as if included in the provisions of the Tax Equity
and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 1982 [Pub. L. 97–248] to
which such amendments relate.’’
CONSTRUCTION OF AMENDMENT BY TITLE VII OF
DIVISION A OF PUB. L. 98–369
Pub. L. 98–369, div. A, title VII, § 701, July 18, 1984, 98
Stat. 942, provided that: ‘‘For purposes of applying the
amendments made by any title of this Act [see Tables
for classification] other than this title, the provisions
of this title shall be treated as having been enacted im-
mediately before the provisions of such other titles.’’
§ 32. Earned income
(a) Allowance of credit
(1) In general
In the case of an eligible individual, there
shall be allowed as a credit against the tax im-
posed by this subtitle for the taxable year an
amount equal to the credit percentage of so
much of the taxpayer’s earned income for the
taxable year as does not exceed the earned in-
come amount.
(2) Limitation
The amount of the credit allowable to a tax-
payer under paragraph (1) for any taxable year
shall not exceed the excess (if any) of—
(A) the credit percentage of the earned in-
come amount, over
(B) the phaseout percentage of so much of
the adjusted gross income (or, if greater, the
earned income) of the taxpayer for the tax-
able year as exceeds the phaseout amount.
(b) Percentages and amounts
For purposes of subsection (a)—
(1) Percentages
The credit percentage and the phaseout per-
centage shall be determined as follows:
In the case of an eligible
individual with:
The credit
percentage
is:
The
phaseout
percentage
is:
1 qualifying child .........
34 ................
15.98
2 qualifying children ....
40 ................
21.06
3 or more qualifying
children.
45 ................
21.06
No qualifying children
7.65 ..............
7.65
(2) Amounts
(A) In general
Subject to subparagraph (B), the earned
income amount and the phaseout amount
shall be determined as follows:
In the case of an eligible
individual with:
The earned
income
amount is:
The
phaseout
amount is:
1 qualifying child .........
$6,330 ...........
$11,610
2 or more qualifying
children.
$8,890 ...........
$11,610
No qualifying children
$4,220 ...........
$5,280
(B) Joint returns
In the case of a joint return filed by an eli-
gible
individual
and
such
individual’s
spouse, the phaseout amount determined
under subparagraph (A) shall be increased by
$5,000.
(c) Definitions and special rules
For purposes of this section—
(1) Eligible individual
(A) In general
The term ‘‘eligible individual’’ means—
(i) any individual who has a qualifying
child for the taxable year, or
(ii) any other individual who does not
have a qualifying child for the taxable
year, if—
(I) such individual’s principal place of
abode is in the United States for more
than one-half of such taxable year,
(II) such individual (or, if the indi-
vidual is married, either the individual
or the individual’s spouse) has attained
age 25 but not attained age 65 before the
close of the taxable year, and
(III) such individual is not a dependent
for whom a deduction is allowable under
section 151 to another taxpayer for any
taxable year beginning in the same cal-
endar year as such taxable year.
(B) Qualifying child ineligible
If an individual is the qualifying child of a
taxpayer for any taxable year of such tax-
payer beginning in a calendar year, such in-
dividual shall not be treated as an eligible
individual for any taxable year of such indi-
vidual beginning in such calendar year.
Page 137
TITLE 26—INTERNAL REVENUE CODE
§ 32
(C) Exception for individual claiming bene-
fits under section 911
The term ‘‘eligible individual’’ does not in-
clude any individual who claims the benefits
of section 911 (relating to citizens or resi-
dents living abroad) for the taxable year.
(D) Limitation on eligibility of nonresident
aliens
The term ‘‘eligible individual’’ shall not
include any individual who is a nonresident
alien individual for any portion of the tax-
able year unless such individual is treated
for such taxable year as a resident of the
United States for purposes of this chapter by
reason of an election under subsection (g) or
(h) of section 6013.
(E) Identification number requirement
No credit shall be allowed under this sec-
tion to an eligible individual who does not
include on the return of tax for the taxable
year—
(i) such individual’s taxpayer identifica-
tion number, and
(ii) if the individual is married, the tax-
payer identification number of such indi-
vidual’s spouse.
(2) Earned income
(A) The term ‘‘earned income’’ means—
(i) wages, salaries, tips, and other em-
ployee compensation, but only if such
amounts are includible in gross income for
the taxable year, plus
(ii) the amount of the taxpayer’s net earn-
ings from self-employment for the taxable
year (within the meaning of section 1402(a)),
but such net earnings shall be determined
with regard to the deduction allowed to the
taxpayer by section 164(f).
(B) For purposes of subparagraph (A)—
(i) the earned income of an individual shall
be computed without regard to any commu-
nity property laws,
(ii) no amount received as a pension or an-
nuity shall be taken into account,
(iii) no amount to which section 871(a) ap-
plies (relating to income of nonresident
alien individuals not connected with United
States business) shall be taken into account,
(iv) no amount received for services pro-
vided by an individual while the individual
is an inmate at a penal institution shall be
taken into account,
(v) no amount described in subparagraph
(A) received for service performed in work
activities as defined in paragraph (4) or (7) of
section 407(d) of the Social Security Act to
which the taxpayer is assigned under any
State program under part A of title IV of
such Act shall be taken into account, but
only to the extent such amount is subsidized
under such State program, and
(vi) a taxpayer may elect to treat amounts
excluded from gross income by reason of sec-
tion 112 as earned income.
(3) Qualifying child
(A) In general
The term ‘‘qualifying child’’ means a
qualifying child of the taxpayer (as defined
in section 152(c), determined without regard
to paragraph (1)(D) thereof and section
152(e)).
(B) Married individual
The term ‘‘qualifying child’’ shall not in-
clude an individual who is married as of the
close of the taxpayer’s taxable year unless
the taxpayer is entitled to a deduction under
section 151 for such taxable year with re-
spect to such individual (or would be so enti-
tled but for section 152(e)).
(C) Place of abode
For purposes of subparagraph (A), the re-
quirements of section 152(c)(1)(B) shall be
met only if the principal place of abode is in
the United States.
(D) Identification requirements
(i) In general
A qualifying child shall not be taken
into account under subsection (b) unless
the taxpayer includes the name, age, and
TIN of the qualifying child on the return
of tax for the taxable year.
(ii) Other methods
The
Secretary
may
prescribe
other
methods for providing the information de-
scribed in clause (i).
(4) Treatment of military personnel stationed
outside the United States
For purposes of paragraphs (1)(A)(ii)(I) and
(3)(C), the principal place of abode of a mem-
ber of the Armed Forces of the United States
shall be treated as in the United States during
any period during which such member is sta-
tioned outside the United States while serving
on extended active duty with the Armed
Forces of the United States. For purposes of
the preceding sentence, the term ‘‘extended
active duty’’ means any period of active duty
pursuant to a call or order to such duty for a
period in excess of 90 days or for an indefinite
period.
(d) Married individuals
(1) In general
In the case of an individual who is married,
this section shall apply only if a joint return
is filed for the taxable year under section 6013.
(2) Determination of marital status
For purposes of this section—
(A) In general
Except as provided in subparagraph (B),
marital status shall be determined under
section 7703(a).
(B) Special rule for separated spouse
An individual shall not be treated as mar-
ried if such individual—
(i) is married (as determined under sec-
tion 7703(a)) and does not file a joint re-
turn for the taxable year,
(ii) resides with a qualifying child of the
individual for more than one-half of such
taxable year, and
(iii)(I) during the last 6 months of such
taxable year, does not have the same prin-
Page 138
TITLE 26—INTERNAL REVENUE CODE
§ 32
cipal place of abode as the individual’s
spouse, or
(II) has a decree, instrument, or agree-
ment (other than a decree of divorce) de-
scribed in section 121(d)(3)(C) with respect
to the individual’s spouse and is not a
member of the same household with the
individual’s spouse by the end of the tax-
able year.
(e) Taxable year must be full taxable year
Except in the case of a taxable year closed by
reason of the death of the taxpayer, no credit
shall be allowable under this section in the case
of a taxable year covering a period of less than
12 months.
(f) Amount of credit to be determined under ta-
bles
(1) In general
The amount of the credit allowed by this
section shall be determined under tables pre-
scribed by the Secretary.
(2) Requirements for tables
The tables prescribed under paragraph (1)
shall reflect the provisions of subsections (a)
and (b) and shall have income brackets of not
greater than $50 each—
(A) for earned income between $0 and the
amount of earned income at which the credit
is phased out under subsection (b), and
(B) for adjusted gross income between the
dollar amount at which the phaseout begins
under subsection (b) and the amount of ad-
justed gross income at which the credit is
phased out under subsection (b).
[(g) Repealed. Pub. L. 111–226, title II, § 219(a)(2),
Aug. 10, 2010, 124 Stat. 2403]
[(h) Repealed. Pub. L. 107–16, title III, § 303(c),
June 7, 2001, 115 Stat. 55]
(i) Denial of credit for individuals having exces-
sive investment income
(1) In general
No credit shall be allowed under subsection
(a) for the taxable year if the aggregate
amount of disqualified income of the taxpayer
for the taxable year exceeds $10,000.
(2) Disqualified income
For purposes of paragraph (1), the term ‘‘dis-
qualified income’’ means—
(A) interest or dividends to the extent in-
cludible in gross income for the taxable
year,
(B) interest received or accrued during the
taxable year which is exempt from tax im-
posed by this chapter,
(C) the excess (if any) of—
(i) gross income from rents or royalties
not derived in the ordinary course of a
trade or business, over
(ii) the sum of—
(I) the deductions (other than interest)
which are clearly and directly allocable
to such gross income, plus
(II) interest deductions properly allo-
cable to such gross income,
(D) the capital gain net income (as defined
in section 1222) of the taxpayer for such tax-
able year, and
(E) the excess (if any) of—
(i) the aggregate income from all passive
activities for the taxable year (determined
without regard to any amount included in
earned income under subsection (c)(2) or
described in a preceding subparagraph),
over
(ii) the aggregate losses from all passive
activities for the taxable year (as so deter-
mined).
For purposes of subparagraph (E), the term
‘‘passive activity’’ has the meaning given such
term by section 469.
(j) Inflation adjustments
(1) In general
In the case of any taxable year beginning
after 2015 (2021 in the case of the dollar
amount in subsection (i)(1)), each of the dollar
amounts in subsections (b)(2) and (i)(1) shall be
increased by an amount equal to—
(A) such dollar amount, multiplied by
(B) the cost-of-living adjustment deter-
mined under section 1(f)(3) for the calendar
year in which the taxable year begins, deter-
mined
by
substituting
in
subparagraph
(A)(ii) thereof—
(i) in the case of amounts in subsection
(b)(2)(A), ‘‘calendar year 1995’’ for ‘‘cal-
endar year 2016’’,
(ii) in the case of the $5,000 amount in
subsection (b)(2)(B), ‘‘calendar year 2008’’
for ‘‘calendar year 2016’’, and
(iii) in the case of the $10,000 amount in
subsection (i)(1), ‘‘calendar year 2020’’ for
‘‘calendar year 2016’’.
(2) Rounding
(A) In general
If
any
dollar
amount
in
subsection
(b)(2)(A) (after being increased under sub-
paragraph (B) thereof), after being increased
under paragraph (1), is not a multiple of $10,
such dollar amount shall be rounded to the
nearest multiple of $10.
(B) Disqualified income threshold amount
If the dollar amount in subsection (i)(1),
after being increased under paragraph (1), is
not a multiple of $50, such amount shall be
rounded to the next lowest multiple of $50.
(k) Restrictions on taxpayers who improperly
claimed credit in prior year
(1) Taxpayers making prior fraudulent or reck-
less claims
(A) In general
No credit shall be allowed under this sec-
tion for any taxable year in the disallowance
period.
(B) Disallowance period
For purposes of paragraph (1), the dis-
allowance period is—
(i) the period of 10 taxable years after
the most recent taxable year for which
there was a final determination that the
taxpayer’s claim of credit under this sec-
tion was due to fraud, and
(ii) the period of 2 taxable years after the
most recent taxable year for which there
Page 139
TITLE 26—INTERNAL REVENUE CODE
§ 32
was a final determination that the tax-
payer’s claim of credit under this section
was due to reckless or intentional dis-
regard of rules and regulations (but not
due to fraud).
(2) Taxpayers making improper prior claims
In the case of a taxpayer who is denied cred-
it under this section for any taxable year as a
result of the deficiency procedures under sub-
chapter B of chapter 63, no credit shall be al-
lowed under this section for any subsequent
taxable year unless the taxpayer provides such
information as the Secretary may require to
demonstrate eligibility for such credit.
(l) Coordination with certain means-tested pro-
grams
For purposes of—
(1) the United States Housing Act of 1937,
(2) title V of the Housing Act of 1949,
(3) section 101 of the Housing and Urban De-
velopment Act of 1965,
(4) sections 221(d)(3), 235, and 236 of the Na-
tional Housing Act, and
(5) the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008,
any refund made to an individual (or the spouse
of an individual) by reason of this section shall
not be treated as income (and shall not be taken
into account in determining resources for the
month of its receipt and the following month).
(m) Identification numbers
Solely for purposes of subsections (c)(1)(E) and
(c)(3)(D),
a
taxpayer
identification
number
means a social security number issued to an in-
dividual by the Social Security Administration
(other than a social security number issued pur-
suant to clause (II) (or that portion of clause
(III) that relates to clause (II)) of section
205(c)(2)(B)(i) of the Social Security Act) on or
before the due date for filing the return for the
taxable year.
(n) Special rules for individuals without quali-
fying children
In the case of any taxable year beginning after
December 31, 2020, and before January 1, 2022—
(1) Decrease in minimum age for credit
(A) In general
Subsection (c)(1)(A)(ii)(II) shall be applied
by substituting ‘‘the applicable minimum
age’’ for ‘‘age 25’’.
(B) Applicable minimum age
For purposes of this paragraph, the term
‘‘applicable minimum age’’ means—
(i) except as otherwise provided in this
subparagraph, age 19,
(ii) in the case of a specified student
(other than a qualified former foster youth
or a qualified homeless youth), age 24, and
(iii) in the case of a qualified former fos-
ter youth or a qualified homeless youth,
age 18.
(C) Specified student
For purposes of this paragraph, the term
‘‘specified student’’ means, with respect to
any taxable year, an individual who is an el-
igible
student
(as
defined
in
section
25A(b)(3)) during at least 5 calendar months
during the taxable year.
(D) Qualified former foster youth
For purposes of this paragraph, the term
‘‘qualified former foster youth’’ means an in-
dividual who—
(i) on or after the date that such indi-
vidual attained age 14, was in foster care
provided under the supervision or adminis-
tration of an entity administering (or eli-
gible to administer) a plan under part B or
part E of title IV of the Social Security
Act (without regard to whether Federal as-
sistance was provided with respect to such
child under such part E), and
(ii) provides (in such manner as the Sec-
retary may provide) consent for entities
which administer a plan under part B or
part E of title IV of the Social Security
Act to disclose to the Secretary informa-
tion related to the status of such indi-
vidual as a qualified former foster youth.
(E) Qualified homeless youth
For purposes of this paragraph, the term
‘‘qualified homeless youth’’ means, with re-
spect to any taxable year, an individual who
certifies, in a manner as provided by the
Secretary, that such individual is either an
unaccompanied youth who is a homeless
child or youth, or is unaccompanied, at risk
of homelessness, and self-supporting.
(2) Elimination of maximum age for credit
Subsection (c)(1)(A)(ii)(II) shall be applied
without regard to the phrase ‘‘but not at-
tained age 65’’.
(3) Increase in credit and phaseout percent-
ages
The table contained in subsection (b)(1) shall
be applied by substituting ‘‘15.3’’ for ‘‘7.65’’
each place it appears therein.
(4) Increase in earned income and phaseout
amounts
(A) In general
The table contained in subsection (b)(2)(A)
shall be applied—
(i) by substituting ‘‘$9,820’’ for ‘‘$4,220’’,
and
(ii) by substituting ‘‘$11,610’’ for ‘‘$5,280’’.
(B) Coordination with inflation adjustment
Subsection (j) shall not apply to any dollar
amount specified in this paragraph.
(Added Pub. L. 94–12, title II, § 204(a), Mar. 29,
1975, 89 Stat. 30, § 43; amended Pub. L. 94–164,
§ 2(c), Dec. 23, 1975, 89 Stat. 971; Pub. L. 94–455,
title IV, § 401(c)(1)(B), (2), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat.
1557; Pub. L. 95–600, title I, §§ 104(a)–(e), 105(a),
Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2772, 2773; Pub. L. 95–615,
§ 202(g)(5), formerly § 202(f)(5), Nov. 8, 1978, 92
Stat. 3100, renumbered § 202(g)(5) and amended
Pub.
L.
96–222,
title
I,
§§ 101(a)(1),
(2)(E),
108(a)(1)(A), Apr. 1, 1980, 94 Stat. 194, 195, 223;
Pub. L. 97–34, title I, §§ 111(b)(2), 112(b)(3), Aug.
13, 1981, 95 Stat. 194, 195; Pub. L. 98–21, title I,
§ 124(c)(4)(B), Apr. 20, 1983, 97 Stat. 91; renum-
bered § 32 and amended Pub. L. 98–369, div. A,
title IV, §§ 423(c)(3), 471(c), title X, § 1042(a)–(d)(2),
July 18, 1984, 98 Stat. 801, 826, 1043; Pub. L. 99–514,
title I, §§ 104(b)(1)(B), 111(a)–(d)(1), title XII,
§ 1272(d)(4), title XIII, § 1301(j)(8), Oct. 22, 1986, 100
Page 140
TITLE 26—INTERNAL REVENUE CODE
§ 32
Stat. 2104, 2107, 2594, 2658; Pub. L. 100–647, title I,
§§ 1001(c), 1007(g)(12), Nov. 10, 1988, 102 Stat. 3350,
3436; Pub. L. 101–508, title XI, §§ 11101(d)(1)(B),
11111(a), (b), (e), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1388–405,
1388–408, 1388–412, 1388–413; Pub. L. 103–66, title
XIII, § 13131(a)–(d)(1), Aug. 10, 1993, 107 Stat.
433–435; Pub. L. 103–465, title VII, §§ 721(a), 722(a),
723(a), 742(a), Dec. 8, 1994, 108 Stat. 5002, 5003,
5010; Pub. L. 104–7, § 4(a), Apr. 11, 1995, 109 Stat.
95; Pub. L. 104–193, title IV, § 451(a), (b), title IX,
§§ 909(a), (b), 910(a), (b), Aug. 22, 1996, 110 Stat.
2276, 2277, 2351, 2352; Pub. L. 105–34, title I,
§ 101(b), title III, § 312(d)(2), title X, § 1085(a)(1),
(b)–(d), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 798, 840, 955, 956;
Pub. L. 105–206, title VI, §§ 6003(b), 6010(p)(1), (2),
6021(a), (b), July 22, 1998, 112 Stat. 791, 816, 817,
823, 824; Pub. L. 106–170, title IV, § 412(a), Dec. 17,
1999, 113 Stat. 1917; Pub. L. 107–16, title II,
§ 201(c)(3), title III, § 303(a)–(f), (h), June 7, 2001,
115 Stat. 47, 55–57; Pub. L. 107–147, title IV,
§ 416(a)(1), Mar. 9, 2002, 116 Stat. 55; Pub. L.
108–311, title I, § 104(b), title II, § 205, Oct. 4, 2004,
118 Stat. 1169, 1176; Pub. L. 109–135, title III,
§ 302(a), Dec. 21, 2005, 119 Stat. 2608; Pub. L.
109–432, div. A, title I, § 106(a), Dec. 20, 2006, 120
Stat. 2938; Pub. L. 110–234, title IV, § 4002(b)(1)(B),
(2)(O), May 22, 2008, 122 Stat. 1096, 1097; Pub. L.
110–245, title I, § 102(a), June 17, 2008, 122 Stat.
1625;
Pub.
L.
110–246,
§ 4(a),
title
IV,
§ 4002(b)(1)(B), (2)(O), June 18, 2008, 122 Stat. 1664,
1857, 1858; Pub. L. 111–5, div. B, title I, § 1002(a),
Feb. 17, 2009, 123 Stat. 312; Pub. L. 111–226, title
II, § 219(a)(2), Aug. 10, 2010, 124 Stat. 2403; Pub. L.
111–312, title I, § 103(c), Dec. 17, 2010, 124 Stat.
3299; Pub. L. 112–240, title I, § 103(c), Jan. 2, 2013,
126 Stat. 2319; Pub. L. 113–295, div. A, title II,
§§ 206(a), 221(a)(3), Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 4027,
4037; Pub. L. 114–113, div. Q, title I, § 103(a)–(c),
title II, § 204(a), Dec. 18, 2015, 129 Stat. 3044, 3045,
3081; Pub. L. 115–97, title I, § 11002(d)(1)(D), Dec.
22, 2017, 131 Stat. 2060; Pub. L. 115–141, div. U,
title I, § 101(a), title IV, § 401(b)(4), Mar. 23, 2018,
132 Stat. 1160, 1201; Pub. L. 117–2, title IX,
§§ 9621(a), 9622(a), 9623(a), (b), 9624(a), (b), Mar. 11,
2021, 135 Stat. 152–154.)
INFLATION ADJUSTED ITEMS FOR CERTAIN YEARS
For inflation adjustment of certain items in
this section, see Revenue Procedures listed in a
table under section 1 of this title.
Editorial Notes
REFERENCES IN TEXT
The Social Security Act, referred to in subsecs.
(c)(2)(B)(v), (m), and (n)(1)(D), is act Aug. 14, 1935, ch.
531, 49 Stat. 620. Parts A, B, and E of title IV of the Act
are classified generally to parts A (§ 601 et seq.), B (§ 620
et seq.), and E (§ 670 et seq.), respectively, of subchapter
IV of chapter 7 of Title 42, The Public Health and Wel-
fare. Sections 205(c)(2)(B)(i) and 407(d)(4), (7) of the Act
are classified to sections 405(c)(2)(B)(i) and 607(d)(4), (7),
respectively, of Title 42. For complete classification of
this Act to the Code, see section 1305 of Title 42 and Ta-
bles.
The United States Housing Act of 1937, referred to in
subsec. (l)(1), is act Sept. 1, 1937, ch. 896, as revised gen-
erally by Pub. L. 93–383, title II, § 201(a), Aug. 22, 1974,
88 Stat. 653, which is classified generally to chapter 8
(§ 1437 et seq.) of Title 42, The Public Health and Wel-
fare. For complete classification of this Act to the
Code, see Short Title note under section 1437 of Title 42
and Tables.
The Housing Act of 1949, referred to in subsec. (l)(2),
is act July 15, 1949, ch. 338, 63 Stat. 413. Title V of the
Act is classified generally to subchapter III (§ 1471 et
seq.) of chapter 8A of Title 42. For complete classifica-
tion of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set
out under section 1441 of Title 42 and Tables.
Section 101 of the Housing and Urban Development
Act of 1965, referred to in subsec. (l)(3), is section 101 of
Pub. L. 89–117, title I, Aug. 10, 1965, 79 Stat. 451, which
enacted section 1701s of Title 12, Banks and Banking,
and amended sections 1451 and 1465 of Title 42.
Sections 221(d)(3), 235, and 236 of the National Hous-
ing Act, referred to in subsec. (l)(4), are classified to
sections 1715l(d)(3), 1715z, and 1715z–1, respectively, of
Title 12.
The Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, referred to in
subsec. (l)(5), is Pub. L. 88–525, Aug. 31, 1964, 78 Stat. 703,
which is classified generally to chapter 51 (§ 2011 et seq.)
of Title 7, Agriculture. For complete classification of
this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under
section 2011 of Title 7 and Tables.
CODIFICATION
Pub. L. 110–234 and Pub. L. 110–246 made identical
amendments to this section. The amendments by Pub.
L. 110–234 were repealed by section 4(a) of Pub. L.
110–246.
PRIOR PROVISIONS
A prior section 32 was renumbered section 33 of this
title.
AMENDMENTS
2021—Subsec. (c)(1)(A). Pub. L. 117–2, § 9623(b)(1),
struck out concluding provisions which read as follows:
‘‘For purposes of the preceding sentence, marital status
shall be determined under section 7703.’’
Subsec. (c)(1)(E)(ii). Pub. L. 117–2, § 9623(b)(2), struck
out ‘‘(within the meaning of section 7703)’’ after ‘‘is
married’’.
Subsec. (c)(1)(F). Pub. L. 117–2, § 9622(a), struck out
heading and text of subpar. (F). Text read as follows:
‘‘No credit shall be allowed under this section to any
eligible individual who has one or more qualifying chil-
dren if no qualifying child of such individual is taken
into account under subsection (b) by reason of para-
graph (3)(D).’’
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 117–2, § 9623(a), designated exist-
ing provisions as par. (1), inserted heading, and added
par. (2).
Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 117–2, § 9623(b)(3), struck out
‘‘(within the meaning of section 7703)’’ after ‘‘is mar-
ried’’.
Subsec. (i)(1). Pub. L. 117–2, § 9624(a), substituted
‘‘$10,000’’ for ‘‘$2,200’’.
Subsec. (j)(1). Pub. L. 117–2, § 9624(b)(1), inserted ‘‘(2021
in the case of the dollar amount in subsection (i)(1))’’
after ‘‘2015’’ in introductory provisions.
Subsec. (j)(1)(B)(i). Pub. L. 117–2, § 9624(b)(2)(A), sub-
stituted
‘‘subsection
(b)(2)(A)’’
for
‘‘subsections
(b)(2)(A) and (i)(1)’’.
Subsec. (j)(1)(B)(iii). Pub. L. 117–2, § 9624(b)(2)(B)–(4),
added cl. (iii).
Subsec. (n). Pub. L. 117–2, § 9621(a), added subsec. (n).
2018—Subsec. (b)(2)(B). Pub. L. 115–141, § 101(a)(1),
struck out cl. (i) designation and heading and struck
out cls. (ii) and (iii) which related to inflation adjust-
ment for taxable years after 2015 and application of
rounding provisions in subsec. (j)(2)(A) of this section,
respectively.
Subsec. (j)(1). Pub. L. 115–141, § 101(a)(2)(A), sub-
stituted ‘‘after 2015’’ for ‘‘after 1996’’ in introductory
provisions.
Subsec. (j)(1)(B). Pub. L. 115–141, § 101(a)(2)(B), in-
serted ‘‘by substituting in subparagraph (A)(ii) thereof’’
after ‘‘, determined’’ in introductory provisions.
Subsec. (j)(1)(B)(i). Pub. L. 115–141, § 101(a)(2)(C),
struck out ‘‘by substituting’’ after ‘‘(i)(1),’’ and ‘‘in sub-
paragraph (A)(ii) thereof’’ after ‘‘ ‘calendar year 2016’ ’’.
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TITLE 26—INTERNAL REVENUE CODE
§ 32
Subsec. (j)(1)(B)(ii). Pub. L. 115–141, § 101(a)(2)(D), sub-
stituted ‘‘$5,000 amount in subsection (b)(2)(B), ‘cal-
endar year 2008’ for ‘calendar year 2016’ ’’ for ‘‘$3,000
amount in subsection (b)(2)(B)(iii), by substituting ‘cal-
endar year 2007’ for ‘calendar year 2016’ in subparagraph
(A)(ii) of such section 1’’.
Subsec. (l). Pub. L. 115–141, § 401(b)(4), struck out
‘‘, and any payment made to such individual (or such
spouse) by an employer under section 3507,’’ after ‘‘rea-
son of this section’’ in concluding provisions.
2017—Subsecs. (b)(2)(B)(ii)(II), (j)(1)(B)(i), (ii). Pub. L.
115–97 substituted ‘‘for ‘calendar year 2016’ in subpara-
graph (A)(ii)’’ for ‘‘for ‘calendar year 1992’ in subpara-
graph (B)’’.
2015—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 114–113, § 103(a), amended
par. (1) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (1) pro-
vided credit and phaseout percentages for eligible indi-
viduals with 1, 2 or more, or no qualifying children.
Subsec. (b)(2)(B). Pub. L. 114–113, § 103(b), amended
subpar. (B) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as
follows: ‘‘In the case of a joint return filed by an eligi-
ble individual and such individual’s spouse, the phase-
out amount determined under subparagraph (A) shall
be increased by $3,000.’’
Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 114–113, § 103(c), struck out par.
(3) which provided for increased credit percentage for
taxpayers with 3 or more qualifying children and reduc-
tion of marriage penalty in taxable years beginning
after 2008 and before 2018, with adjustment for infla-
tion.
Subsec. (m). Pub. L. 114–113, § 204(a), inserted ‘‘on or
before the due date for filing the return for the taxable
year’’ before period at end.
2014—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 113–295, § 221(a)(3)(A),
struck out subpar. (A) designation, heading ‘‘In gen-
eral’’, and introductory provisions ‘‘In the case of tax-
able years beginning after 1995:’’ before the table and
struck out subpars. (B) and (C) which related to transi-
tional percentages for 1995 and transitional percentages
for 1994, respectively, and realigned margins.
Subsec. (b)(2)(B). Pub. L. 113–295, § 221(a)(3)(B), sub-
stituted ‘‘increased by $3,000.’’ for ‘‘increased by—
‘‘(i) $1,000 in the case of taxable years beginning in
2002, 2003, and 2004,
‘‘(ii) $2,000 in the case of taxable years beginning in
2005, 2006, and 2007, and
‘‘(iii) $3,000 in the case of taxable years beginning
after 2007.’’
Subsec. (b)(3)(B)(ii). Pub. L. 113–295, § 206(a), sub-
stituted ‘‘after 2009’’ for ‘‘in 2010’’ in introductory pro-
visions.
2013—Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 112–240 substituted ‘‘for
certain years’’ for ‘‘2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012’’ in heading
and ‘‘after 2008 and before 2018’’ for ‘‘in 2009, 2010, 2011,
or 2012’’ in introductory provisions.
2010—Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 111–312 substituted ‘‘2009,
2010, 2011, and 2012’’ for ‘‘2009 and 2010’’ in heading and
‘‘, 2010, 2011, or 2012’’ for ‘‘or 2010’’ in introductory pro-
visions.
Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 111–226 struck out subsec. (g).
Text read as follows:
‘‘(1) RECAPTURE
OF
EXCESS
ADVANCE
PAYMENTS.—If
any payment is made to the individual by an employer
under section 3507 during any calendar year, then the
tax imposed by this chapter for the individual’s last
taxable year beginning in such calendar year shall be
increased by the aggregate amount of such payments.
‘‘(2) RECONCILIATION
OF
PAYMENTS
ADVANCED
AND
CREDIT ALLOWED.—Any increase in tax under paragraph
(1) shall not be treated as tax imposed by this chapter
for purposes of determining the amount of any credit
(other than the credit allowed by subsection (a)) allow-
able under this part.’’
2009—Subsec. (b)(3). Pub. L. 111–5 added par. (3).
2008—Subsec. (c)(2)(B)(vi). Pub. L. 110–245 amended cl.
(vi) generally. Prior to amendment, cl. (vi) read as fol-
lows: ‘‘in the case of any taxable year ending—
‘‘(I) after the date of the enactment of this clause,
and
‘‘(II) before January 1, 2008,
a taxpayer may elect to treat amounts excluded from
gross income by reason of section 112 as earned in-
come.’’
Subsec. (l)(5). Pub. L. 110–246, § 4002(b)(1)(B), (2)(O),
substituted ‘‘Food and Nutrition Act of 2008’’ for ‘‘Food
Stamp Act of 1977’’.
2006—Subsec. (c)(2)(B)(vi)(II). Pub. L. 109–432 sub-
stituted ‘‘2008’’ for ‘‘2007’’.
2005—Subsec. (c)(2)(B)(vi)(II). Pub. L. 109–135 sub-
stituted ‘‘2007’’ for ‘‘2006’’.
2004—Subsec.
(c)(1)(C)
to
(G).
Pub.
L.
108–311,
§ 205(b)(1), redesignated subpars. (D) to (G) as (C) to (F),
respectively, and struck out former subpar. (C) which
related to 2 or more claiming qualifying child.
Subsec. (c)(2)(B)(vi). Pub. L. 108–311, § 104(b), added cl.
(vi).
Subsec. (c)(3). Pub. L. 108–311, § 205(a), amended par.
(3) generally, substituting subpars. (A) to (D) for former
subpars. (A) to (E), relating to qualifying child in gen-
eral, relationship test, age requirements, identification
requirements, and place of abode requirements.
Subsec. (c)(4). Pub. L. 108–311, § 205(b)(2), substituted
‘‘(3)(C)’’ for ‘‘(3)(E)’’.
Subsec. (m). Pub. L. 108–311, § 205(b)(3), substituted
‘‘(c)(1)(E)’’ for ‘‘(c)(1)(F)’’.
2002—Subsec. (g)(2). Pub. L. 107–147 substituted ‘‘part’’
for ‘‘subpart’’.
2001—Subsec. (a)(2)(B). Pub. L. 107–16, § 303(d)(1),
struck out ‘‘modified’’ before ‘‘adjusted gross income’’.
Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 107–16, § 303(a)(1), reenacted par.
heading without change, designated existing provisions
as subpar. (A), inserted subpar. heading, substituted
‘‘Subject to subparagraph (B), the earned’’ for ‘‘The
earned’’, and added subpar. (B).
Subsec. (c)(1)(C). Pub. L. 107–16, § 303(f), amended
heading and text of subpar. (C) generally. Prior to
amendment, text read as follows: ‘‘If 2 or more individ-
uals would (but for this subparagraph and after applica-
tion of subparagraph (B)) be treated as eligible individ-
uals with respect to the same qualifying child for tax-
able years beginning in the same calendar year, only
the individual with the highest modified adjusted gross
income for such taxable years shall be treated as an eli-
gible individual with respect to such qualifying child.’’
Subsec. (c)(2)(A)(i). Pub. L. 107–16, § 303(b), inserted
‘‘, but only if such amounts are includible in gross in-
come for the taxable year’’ after ‘‘other employee com-
pensation’’.
Subsec. (c)(3)(A)(ii). Pub. L. 107–16, § 303(e)(2)(B),
struck out ‘‘except as provided in subparagraph
(B)(iii),’’ before ‘‘who has’’.
Subsec. (c)(3)(B)(i). Pub. L. 107–16, § 303(e)(1), reen-
acted heading, introductory provisions, and subcl. (III)
of cl. (i) without change and amended subcls. (I) and (II)
generally. Prior to amendment, subcls. (I) and (II) read
as follows:
‘‘(I) a son or daughter of the taxpayer, or a descend-
ant of either,
‘‘(II) a stepson or stepdaughter of the taxpayer, or.’’
Subsec. (c)(3)(B)(iii). Pub. L. 107–16, § 303(e)(2)(A), re-
enacted heading without change and amended text gen-
erally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: ‘‘For
purposes of clause (i)(III), the term ‘eligible foster
child’ means an individual not described in clause (i)(I)
or (II) who—
‘‘(I) is a brother, sister, stepbrother, or stepsister of
the taxpayer (or a descendant of any such relative) or
is placed with the taxpayer by an authorized place-
ment agency,
‘‘(II) the taxpayer cares for as the taxpayer’s own
child, and
‘‘(III) has the same principal place of abode as the
taxpayer for the taxpayer’s entire taxable year.’’
Subsec. (c)(3)(E). Pub. L. 107–16, § 303(h), substituted
‘‘subparagraph (A)(ii)’’ for ‘‘subparagraphs (A)(ii) and
(B)(iii)(II)’’.
Subsec. (c)(5). Pub. L. 107–16, § 303(d)(2)(A), struck out
heading and text of par. (5), which defined ‘‘modified
adjusted gross income’’ as meaning adjusted gross in-
come without regard to certain described amounts and
increased by certain described amounts.
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TITLE 26—INTERNAL REVENUE CODE
§ 32
Subsec. (f)(2)(B). Pub. L. 107–16, § 303(d)(2)(B), struck
out ‘‘modified’’ before ‘‘adjusted gross income’’ in two
places.
Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 107–16, § 303(c), struck out heading
and text of subsec. (h). Text read as follows: ‘‘The cred-
it allowed under this section for the taxable year shall
be reduced by the amount of tax imposed by section 55
(relating to alternative minimum tax) with respect to
such taxpayer for such taxable year.’’
Subsec. (j)(1)(B). Pub. L. 107–16, § 303(a)(2), amended
subpar. (B) generally. Prior to amendment, subpar. (B)
read as follows: ‘‘the cost-of-living adjustment deter-
mined under section 1(f)(3) for the calendar year in
which the taxable year begins, determined by sub-
stituting ‘calendar year 1995’ for ‘calendar year 1992’ in
subparagraph (B) thereof.’’
Subsec. (j)(2)(A). Pub. L. 107–16, § 303(a)(3), substituted
‘‘subsection (b)(2)(A) (after being increased under sub-
paragraph (B) thereof)’’ for ‘‘subsection (b)(2)’’.
Subsec. (n). Pub. L. 107–16, § 201(c)(3), struck out head-
ing and text of subsec. (n), which had increased credit
allowable under this section in the case of a taxpayer
with respect to whom a child tax credit is allowed
under section 24(a), described amount of increase, and
set forth provisions relating to coordination with other
credits allowable under this part.
1999—Subsec. (c)(3)(B)(iii). Pub. L. 106–170 added subcl.
(I) and redesignated former subcls. (I) and (II) as (II)
and (III), respectively.
1998—Subsec. (c)(1)(F). Pub. L. 105–206, § 6021(a), added
introductory provisions and struck out former intro-
ductory provisions which read as follows: ‘‘The term
‘eligible individual’ does not include any individual
who does not include on the return of tax for the tax-
able year—’’.
Subsec. (c)(1)(G). Pub. L. 105–206, § 6021(b)(2), added
subpar. (G).
Subsec. (c)(2)(B)(v). Pub. L. 105–206, § 6010(p)(2), in-
serted ‘‘shall be taken into account’’ before ‘‘, but
only’’.
Subsec. (c)(3)(A)(ii) to (iv). Pub. L. 105–206, § 6021(b)(3),
inserted ‘‘and’’ at end of cl. (ii), substituted a period for
‘‘, and’’ at end of cl. (iii), and struck out cl. (iv) which
read as follows: ‘‘with respect to whom the taxpayer
meets the identification requirements of subparagraph
(D)’’.
Subsec. (c)(3)(D)(i). Pub. L. 105–206, § 6021(b)(1), reen-
acted heading without change and amended text of cl.
(i) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows:
‘‘The requirements of this subparagraph are met if the
taxpayer includes the name, age, and TIN of each quali-
fying child (without regard to this subparagraph) on
the return of tax for the taxable year.’’
Subsec. (c)(5)(A). Pub. L. 105–206, § 6010(p)(1)(A), in-
serted ‘‘and increased by the amounts described in sub-
paragraph (C)’’ before period at end.
Subsec. (c)(5)(B). Pub. L. 105–206, § 6010(p)(1)(B), (C),
inserted ‘‘or’’ at end of cl. (iii) and substituted cl.
(iv)(III) and concluding provisions for former cls.
(iv)(III), (v), (vi), and concluding provisions which read
as follows:
‘‘(III) other trades or businesses
‘‘(v) interest received or accrued during the taxable
year which is exempt from tax imposed by this chap-
ter, and
‘‘(vi) amounts received as a pension or annuity, and
any distributions or payments received from an indi-
vidual retirement plan, by the taxpayer during the
taxable year to the extent not included in gross in-
come.
For purposes of clause (iv), there shall not be taken
into account items which are attributable to a trade or
business which consists of the performance of services
by the taxpayer as an employee. Clause (vi) shall not
include any amount which is not includible in gross in-
come by reason of section 402(c), 403(a)(4), 403(b),
408(d)(3), (4), or (5), or 457(e)(10).’’
Subsec. (c)(5)(C). Pub. L. 105–206, § 6010(p)(1)(C), added
subpar. (C).
Subsecs. (m), (n). Pub. L. 105–206, § 6003(b), redesig-
nated subsec. (m), relating to supplemental child cred-
it, as (n) and amended text generally. Prior to amend-
ment, text read as follows:
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—In the case of a taxpayer with re-
spect to whom a credit is allowed under section 24 for
the taxable year, there shall be allowed as a credit
under this section an amount equal to the supple-
mental child credit (if any) determined for such tax-
payer for such taxable year under paragraph (2). Such
credit shall be in addition to the credit allowed under
subsection (a).
‘‘(2) SUPPLEMENTAL
CHILD
CREDIT.—For purposes of
this subsection, the supplemental child credit is an
amount equal to the excess (if any) of—
‘‘(A)
the
amount
determined
under
section
24(d)(1)(A), over
‘‘(B)
the
amount
determined
under
section
24(d)(1)(B).
The amounts referred to in subparagraphs (A) and (B)
shall be determined as if section 24(d) applied to all
taxpayers.
‘‘(3) COORDINATION WITH SECTION 24.—The amount of
the credit under section 24 shall be reduced by the
amount of the credit allowed under this subsection.’’
1997—Subsec. (c)(2)(B)(v). Pub. L. 105–34, § 1085(c),
added cl. (v).
Subsec. (c)(4). Pub. L. 105–34, § 312(d)(2), struck out
‘‘(as defined in section 1034(h)(3)’’ after ‘‘serving on ex-
tended active duty’’ and inserted at end ‘‘For purposes
of the preceding sentence, the term ‘extended active
duty’ means any period of active duty pursuant to a
call or order to such duty for a period in excess of 90
days or for an indefinite period.’’
Subsec. (c)(5)(B). Pub. L. 105–34, § 1085(d)(4), inserted
at end of concluding provisions ‘‘Clause (vi) shall not
include any amount which is not includible in gross in-
come by reason of section 402(c), 403(a)(4), 403(b),
408(d)(3), (4), or (5), or 457(e)(10).’’
Subsec. (c)(5)(B)(iv). Pub. L. 105–34, § 1085(b), sub-
stituted ‘‘75 percent’’ for ‘‘50 percent’’ in introductory
provisions.
Subsec. (c)(5)(B)(v), (vi). Pub. L. 105–34, § 1085(d)(1)–(3),
added cls. (v) and (vi).
Subsec. (k). Pub. L. 105–34, § 1085(a)(1), added subsec.
(k). Former subsec. (k) redesignated (l).
Subsec. (l). Pub. L. 105–34, § 1085(a)(1), redesignated
subsec. (k) as (l). Former subsec. (l) redesignated (m).
Subsec. (m). Pub. L. 105–34, § 1085(a)(1), redesignated
subsec. (l) as (m) relating to identification numbers.
Pub. L. 105–34, § 101(b), added subsec. (m) relating to
supplemental child credit.
1996—Subsec. (a)(2)(B). Pub. L. 104–193, § 910(a), in-
serted ‘‘modified’’ before ‘‘adjusted gross income’’.
Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 104–193, § 909(a)(3), reenacted
heading without change and amended text generally.
Prior to amendment, text consisted of subpars. (A) and
(B) setting out tables for determining the earned in-
come amount for taxable years beginning after 1994 and
for taxable years beginning in 1994.
Subsec. (c)(1)(C). Pub. L. 104–193, § 910(a), inserted
‘‘modified’’ before ‘‘adjusted gross income’’.
Subsec. (c)(1)(F). Pub. L. 104–193, § 451(a), added sub-
par. (F).
Subsec. (c)(5). Pub. L. 104–193, § 910(b), added par. (5).
Subsec. (f)(2)(B). Pub. L. 104–193, § 910(a), inserted
‘‘modified’’ before ‘‘adjusted gross income’’ in two
places.
Subsec. (i)(1). Pub. L. 104–193, § 909(a)(1), substituted
‘‘$2,200’’ for ‘‘$2,350’’.
Subsec. (i)(2). Pub. L. 104–193, § 909(b), added subpars.
(D) and (E) and concluding provisions.
Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 104–193, § 909(a)(2), reenacted head-
ing without change and amended text generally. Prior
to amendment, text read as follows:
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—In the case of any taxable year be-
ginning after 1994, each dollar amount contained in
subsection (b)(2)(A) shall be increased by an amount
equal to—
‘‘(A) such dollar amount, multiplied by
‘‘(B) the cost-of-living adjustment determined
under section 1(f)(3), for the calendar year in which
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TITLE 26—INTERNAL REVENUE CODE
§ 32
the taxable year begins, by substituting ‘calendar
year 1993’ for ‘calendar year 1992’.
‘‘(2) ROUNDING.—If any dollar amount after being in-
creased under paragraph (1) is not a multiple of $10,
such dollar amount shall be rounded to the nearest
multiple of $10 (or, if such dollar amount is a multiple
of $5, such dollar amount shall be increased to the next
higher multiple of $10).’’
Subsec. (l). Pub. L. 104–193, § 451(b), added subsec. (l).
1995—Subsecs. (i) to (k). Pub. L. 104–7 added subsec. (i)
and redesignated former subsecs. (i) and (j) as (j) and
(k), respectively.
1994—Subsec. (c)(1)(E). Pub. L. 103–465, § 722(a), added
subpar. (E).
Subsec. (c)(2)(B)(iv). Pub. L. 103–465, § 723(a), added cl.
(iv).
Subsec. (c)(3)(D)(i). Pub. L. 103–465, § 742(a), amended
heading and text of cl. (i) generally. Prior to amend-
ment, text read as follows: ‘‘The requirements of this
subparagraph are met if—
‘‘(I) the taxpayer includes the name and age of each
qualifying child (without regard to this subpara-
graph) on the return of tax for the taxable year, and
‘‘(II) in the case of an individual who has attained
the age of 1 year before the close of the taxpayer’s
taxable year, the taxpayer includes the taxpayer
identification number of such individual on such re-
turn of tax for such taxable year.’’
Subsec. (c)(4). Pub. L. 103–465, § 721(a), added par. (4).
1993—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 103–66, § 13131(a), amended
heading and text of subsec. (a) generally. Prior to
amendment, text read as follows: ‘‘In the case of an eli-
gible individual, there shall be allowed as a credit
against the tax imposed by this subtitle for the taxable
year an amount equal to the sum of—
‘‘(1) the basic earned income credit, and
‘‘(2) the health insurance credit.’’
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 103–66, § 13131(a), substituted
‘‘Percentages and amounts’’ for ‘‘Computation of cred-
it’’ in heading and amended text generally. Prior to
amendment, text related to method of computation of
both earned income credit and health insurance credit.
Subsec. (c)(1)(A). Pub. L. 103–66, § 13131(b), amended
heading and text of subpar. (A) generally. Prior to
amendment, text read as follows: ‘‘The term ‘eligible
individual’ means any individual who has a qualifying
child for the taxable year.’’
Subsec. (c)(3)(D)(ii). Pub. L. 103–66, § 13131(d)(1), redes-
ignated cl. (iii) as (ii), substituted ‘‘clause (i)’’ for
‘‘clause (i) or (ii)’’, and struck out heading and text of
former cl. (ii). Text read as follows: ‘‘In the case of any
taxpayer with respect to which the health insurance
credit is allowed under subsection (a)(2), the Secretary
may require a taxpayer to include an insurance policy
number or other adequate evidence of insurance in ad-
dition to any information required to be included in
clause (i).’’
Subsec. (i)(1). Pub. L. 103–66, § 13131(c)(1), added par.
(1) and struck out text and heading of former par. (1).
Text read as follows: ‘‘In the case of any taxable year
beginning after the applicable calendar year, each dol-
lar amount referred to in paragraph (2)(B) shall be in-
creased by an amount equal to—
‘‘(A) such dollar amount, multiplied by
‘‘(B) the cost-of-living adjustment determined
under section 1(f)(3), for the calendar year in which
the taxable year begins, by substituting ‘calendar
year 1984’ for ‘calendar year 1989’ in subparagraph (B)
thereof.’’
Subsec. (i)(2), (3). Pub. L. 103–66, § 13131(c), redesig-
nated par. (3) as (2) and struck out former par. (2) which
defined terms for purposes of the inflation adjustment
in par. (1).
1990—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 101–508, § 11111(a), amended
subsec. (a) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (a)
read as follows: ‘‘In the case of an eligible individual,
there is allowed as a credit against the tax imposed by
this subtitle for the taxable year an amount equal to 14
percent of so much of the earned income for the taxable
year as does not exceed $5,714.’’
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 101–508, § 11111(a), substituted
heading for one which read ‘‘Limitation’’ and amended
subsec. (b) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (b)
read as follows: ‘‘The amount of the credit allowable to
a taxpayer under subsection (a) for any taxable year
shall not exceed the excess (if any) of—
‘‘(1) the maximum credit allowable under sub-
section (a) to any taxpayer, over
‘‘(2) 10 percent of so much of the adjusted gross in-
come (or, if greater, the earned income) of the tax-
payer for the taxable year as exceeds $9,000.
In the case of any taxable year beginning in 1987, para-
graph (2) shall be applied by substituting ‘$6,500’ for
‘$9,000’.’’
Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 101–508, § 11111(a), amended subsec.
(c) generally, inserting ‘‘and special rules’’ in heading
and substituting present provisions for provisions de-
fining ‘‘eligible individual’’ and ‘‘earned income’’.
Subsec. (i)(1)(B). Pub. L. 101–508, § 11101(d)(1)(B), sub-
stituted ‘‘1989’’ for ‘‘1987’’.
Subsec. (i)(2)(A). Pub. L. 101–508, § 11111(e)(1), (2), sub-
stituted ‘‘clause (i) of subparagraph (B)’’ for ‘‘clause (i)
or (ii) of subparagraph (B)’’ in cl. (i) and ‘‘clause (ii)’’
for ‘‘clause (iii)’’ in cl. (ii).
Subsec. (i)(2)(B). Pub. L. 101–508, § 11111(e)(3), amended
subpar. (B) generally. Prior to amendment, subpar. (B)
read as follows: ‘‘The dollar amounts referred to in this
subparagraph are—
‘‘(i) the $5,714 amount contained in subsection (a),
‘‘(ii) the $6,500 amount contained in the last sen-
tence of subsection (b), and
‘‘(iii) the $9,000 amount contained in subsection
(b)(2).’’
Subsec. (j). Pub. L. 101–508, § 11111(b), added subsec.
(j).
1988—Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 100–647, § 1007(g)(12), struck
out ‘‘for taxpayers other than corporations’’ after ‘‘al-
ternative minimum tax’’.
Subsec. (i)(3). Pub. L. 100–647, § 1001(c), amended par.
(3) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (3) read as fol-
lows: ‘‘If any increase determined under paragraph (1)
is not a multiple of $10, such increase shall be rounded
to the nearest multiple of $10 (or, if such increase is a
multiple of $5, such increase shall be increased to the
next higher multiple of $10).’’
1986—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 99–514, § 111(a), substituted
‘‘14 percent’’ for ‘‘11 percent’’ and ‘‘$5,714’’ for ‘‘$5,000’’.
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 99–514, § 111(b), amended subsec.
(b) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (b) read as
follows: ‘‘The amount of the credit allowable to a tax-
payer under subsection (a) for any taxable year shall
not exceed the excess (if any) of—
‘‘(1) $550, over
‘‘(2) 122⁄9 percent of so much of the adjusted gross
income (or, if greater, the earned income) of the tax-
payer for the taxable year as exceeds $6,500.’’
Subsec. (c)(1)(A)(i). Pub. L. 99–514, § 1301(j)(8), sub-
stituted ‘‘section 7703’’ for ‘‘section 143’’.
Pub. L. 99–514, § 104(b)(1)(B), substituted ‘‘section
151(c)(3)’’ for ‘‘section 151(e)(3)’’.
Subsec. (c)(1)(C). Pub. L. 99–514, § 1272(d)(4), struck out
‘‘or 931’’ after ‘‘911’’ in heading, and amended text gen-
erally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: ‘‘The
term ‘eligible individual’ does not include an individual
who, for the taxable year, claims the benefits of—
‘‘(i) section 911 (relating to citizens or residents of
the United States living abroad),
‘‘(ii) section 931 (relating to income from sources
within possessions of the United States).’’
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 99–514, § 1301(j)(8), substituted
‘‘section 7703’’ for ‘‘section 143’’.
Subsec. (f)(2)(A), (B). Pub. L. 99–514, § 111(d)(1), added
subpars. (A) and (B) and struck out former subpars. (A)
and (B) which read as follows:
‘‘(A) for earned income between $0 and $11,000, and
‘‘(B) for adjusted gross income between $6,500 and
$11,000.’’
Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 99–514, § 111(c), added subsec. (i).
1984—Pub. L. 98–369, § 471(c), renumbered section 43 of
this title as this section.
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TITLE 26—INTERNAL REVENUE CODE
§ 32
Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 98–369, § 1042(a), substituted ‘‘11
percent’’ for ‘‘10 percent’’.
Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 98–369, § 1042(d)(1), substituted
‘‘$550’’ for ‘‘$500’’.
Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 98–369, § 1042(b), substituted
‘‘122⁄9
percent’’ for ‘‘12.5 percent’’ and ‘‘$6,500’’ for
‘‘$6,000’’.
Subsec. (c)(1)(A)(i). Pub. L. 98–369, § 423(c)(3)(A), in-
serted ‘‘or would be so entitled but for paragraph (2) or
(4) of section 152(e)’’.
Subsec. (c)(1)(B). Pub. L. 98–369, § 423(c)(3)(B), sub-
stituted ‘‘as the individual for more than one-half of
the taxable year’’ for ‘‘as the individual’’.
Subsec. (f)(2)(A). Pub. L. 98–369, § 1042(d)(2), sub-
stituted ‘‘between $0 and $11,000’’ for ‘‘between $0 and
$10,000’’.
Subsec. (f)(2)(B). Pub. L. 98–369, § 1042(d)(2), sub-
stituted ‘‘between $6,500 and $11,000’’ for ‘‘between $6,000
and $10,000’’.
Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 98–369, § 1042(c), added subsec. (h).
1983—Subsec. (c)(2)(A)(ii). Pub. L. 98–21 inserted be-
fore period at end ‘‘, but such net earnings shall be de-
termined with regard to the deduction allowed to the
taxpayer by section 164(f)’’.
1981—Subsec. (c)(1)(C). Pub. L. 97–34 struck out ref-
erence to section 913 in heading, substituted ‘‘relating
to citizens or residents of the United States living
abroad’’ for ‘‘relating to income earned by individuals
in certain camps outside the United States’’ in cl. (i),
struck out cl. (ii) which made reference to section 913,
and redesignated cl. (iii) as (ii).
1980—Subsec. (c)(1)(C). Pub. L. 96–222, § 101(a)(1), in
heading substituted ‘‘who claims benefit of section 911,
913, or 931’’ for ‘‘entitled to exclude income under sec-
tion 911’’ and in text substituted ‘‘claims the benefits
of’’ for ‘‘is entitled to exclude any amounts from gross
income under’’ and inserted reference to section 913 (re-
lating to deduction for certain expenses of living
abroad).
Subsecs. (g), (h). Pub. L. 96–222, § 101(a)(2)(E), redesig-
nated subsec. (h) as (g).
1978—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 95–600, § 104(a), substituted
‘‘subtitle’’ for ‘‘chapter’’ and ‘‘$5,000’’ for ‘‘$4,000’’.
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 95–600, § 104(b), substituted provi-
sion limiting the allowable credit to an amount not to
exceed the excess of $500 over 12.5 percent of so much
of the adjusted gross income for the taxable year as ex-
ceeds $6,000 for provision limiting the allowable credit
to an amount reduced by 10 percent of so much of the
adjusted gross income for the taxable year as exceeds
$4,000.
Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 95–600, § 104(e), amended par. (1)
generally, substituting in definition of eligible indi-
vidual one who is married and is entitled to a deduction
under section 151 for a child, provided the child has the
same principal abode as the individual and the abode is
in the United States, is a surviving spouse, or is a head
of household, provided the household is in the United
States for one who maintains a household in the United
States which is the principal abode of that individual
and a child of that individual who meets the require-
ments of section 151(e)(1)(B) or a child of that indi-
vidual who is disabled within the meaning of section
72(m)(7) and to whom the individual is entitled to claim
a deduction under section 151.
Subsec. (c)(1)(C). Pub. L. 95–615, § 202(f)(5), which di-
rected the amendment of subsec. (c)(1)(B) by sub-
stituting ‘‘(relating to income earned by employees in
certain camps)’’ for ‘‘(relating to earned income from
sources without the United States)’’, was executed to
subsec. (c)(1)(C) to reflect the probable intent of Con-
gress and the general amendment of subsec. (c)(1) by
Pub. L. 95–600 which enacted provisions formerly con-
tained in subsec. (c)(1)(B) in subsec. (c)(1)(C).
Subsec. (c)(2)(B). Pub. L. 95–600, § 104(d), redesignated
cls. (ii) to (iv) as (i) to (iii), respectively. Former cl. (i),
which provided that amounts be taken into account
only if includible in the gross income of the taxpayer
for the taxable year, was struck out.
Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 95–600, § 104(c), added subsec. (f).
Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 95–600, § 105(a), added subsec. (h).
1976—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 94–455, § 401(c)(1)(B), sub-
stituted ‘‘is allowed’’ for ‘‘shall be allowed’’ and struck
out provisions relating to the application of the six-
month rule.
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 94–455, § 401(c)(1)(B), struck out
provisions relating to the application of the six-month
rule.
Subsec. (c)(1)(A). Pub. L. 94–455, § 401(c)(2), among
other changes, substituted ‘‘section 44A(f)(1)’’ for ‘‘sec-
tion 214(b)(3)’’ and ‘‘if such child meets the require-
ments of section 151(e)(1)(B)’’ for ‘‘with respect to
whom he is entitled to claim a deduction under section
151(e)(1)(B)’’ and inserted reference to a child of that in-
dividual who is disabled (within the meaning of section
72(m)(7)) and with respect to whom that individual is
entitled to claim a deduction under section 151.
1975—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 94–164 designated existing
provisions as par. (1) and added par. (2).
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 94–164 designated existing provi-
sions as par. (1) and added par. (2).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
EFFECTIVE DATE OF 2021 AMENDMENT
Pub. L. 117–2, title IX, § 9621(c), Mar. 11, 2021, 135 Stat.
153, provided that: ‘‘The amendment made by this sec-
tion [amending this section] shall apply to taxable
years beginning after December 31, 2020.’’
Pub. L. 117–2, title IX, § 9622(b), Mar. 11, 2021, 135 Stat.
153, provided that: ‘‘The amendment made by this sec-
tion [amending this section] shall apply to taxable
years beginning after December 31, 2020.’’
Pub. L. 117–2, title IX, § 9623(c), Mar. 11, 2021, 135 Stat.
154, provided that: ‘‘The amendments made by this sec-
tion [amending this section] shall apply to taxable
years beginning after December 31, 2020.’’
Pub. L. 117–2, title IX, § 9624(c), Mar. 11, 2021, 135 Stat.
154, provided that: ‘‘The amendments made by this sec-
tion [amending this section] shall apply to taxable
years beginning after December 31, 2020.’’
EFFECTIVE DATE OF 2018 AMENDMENT
Amendment by section 101(a) of Pub. L. 115–141 effec-
tive as if included in the provision of the Protecting
Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015, div. Q of Pub. L.
114–113, to which such amendment relates, see section
101(s) of Pub. L. 115–141, set out as a note under section
24 of this title.
EFFECTIVE DATE OF 2017 AMENDMENT
Amendment by Pub. L. 115–97 applicable to taxable
years beginning after Dec. 31, 2017, see section 11002(e)
of Pub. L. 115–97, set out as a note under section 1 of
this title.
EFFECTIVE DATE OF 2015 AMENDMENT
Pub. L. 114–113, div. Q, title I, § 103(d), Dec. 18, 2015, 129
Stat. 3045, provided that: ‘‘The amendments made by
this section [amending this section] shall apply to tax-
able years beginning after December 31, 2015.’’
Pub. L. 114–113, div. Q, title II, § 204(b), Dec. 18, 2015,
129 Stat. 3081, as amended by Pub. L. 115–141, div. U,
title I, § 101(h), Mar. 23, 2018, 132 Stat. 1162, provided
that: ‘‘The amendment made by this section [amending
this section] shall apply to any return of tax, and any
amendment or supplement to any return of tax, which
is filed after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec.
18, 2015].’’
EFFECTIVE DATE OF 2014 AMENDMENT
Pub. L. 113–295, div. A, title II, § 206(d), Dec. 19, 2014,
128 Stat. 4027, provided that: ‘‘The amendments made
by this section [amending this section and sections
1397B and 2801 of this title and provisions set out as a
note under section 2001 of this title] shall take effect as
if included in the provisions of the Tax Relief, Unem-
ployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation
Act of 2010 [Pub. L. 111–312] to which they relate.’’
Page 145
TITLE 26—INTERNAL REVENUE CODE
§ 32
Amendment by section 221(a)(3) of Pub. L. 113–295 ef-
fective Dec. 19, 2014, subject to a savings provision, see
section 221(b) of Pub. L. 113–295, set out as a note under
section 1 of this title.
EFFECTIVE DATE OF 2013 AMENDMENT
Amendment by Pub. L. 112–240 applicable to taxable
years beginning after Dec. 31, 2012, see section 103(e)(1)
of Pub. L. 112–240, set out as a note under section 24 of
this title.
EFFECTIVE DATE OF 2010 AMENDMENT
Amendment by Pub. L. 111–312 applicable to taxable
years beginning after Dec. 31, 2010, see section 103(d) of
Pub. L. 111–312, set out as an Effective and Termination
Dates of 2010 Amendment note under section 24 of this
title.
Pub. L. 111–226, title II, § 219(c), Aug. 10, 2010, 124 Stat.
2403, provided that: ‘‘The repeals and amendments
made by this section [amending this section and sec-
tions 6012, 6051, and 6302 of this title and repealing sec-
tion 3507 of this title] shall apply to taxable years be-
ginning after December 31, 2010.’’
EFFECTIVE DATE OF 2009 AMENDMENT
Pub. L. 111–5, div. B, title I, § 1002(b), Feb. 17, 2009, 123
Stat. 312, provided that: ‘‘The amendments made by
this section [amending this section] shall apply to tax-
able years beginning after December 31, 2008.’’
EFFECTIVE DATE OF 2008 AMENDMENT
Amendment of this section and repeal of Pub. L.
110–234 by Pub. L. 110–246 effective May 22, 2008, the
date of enactment of Pub. L. 110–234, except as other-
wise provided, see section 4 of Pub. L. 110–246, set out
as an Effective Date note under section 8701 of Title 7,
Agriculture.
Amendment by section 4002(b)(1)(B), (2)(O) of Pub. L.
110–246 effective Oct. 1, 2008, see section 4407 of Pub. L.
110–246, set out as a note under section 1161 of Title 2,
The Congress.
Pub. L. 110–245, title I, § 102(d), June 17, 2008, 122 Stat.
1625, provided that: ‘‘The amendments made by this
section [amending this section and section 6428 of this
title] shall apply to taxable years ending after Decem-
ber 31, 2007.’’
EFFECTIVE DATE OF 2006 AMENDMENT
Pub. L. 109–432, div. A, title I, § 106(b), Dec. 20, 2006, 120
Stat. 2938, provided that: ‘‘The amendment made by
this section [amending this section] shall apply to tax-
able years beginning after December 31, 2006.’’
EFFECTIVE DATE OF 2005 AMENDMENT
Pub. L. 109–135, title III, § 302(b), Dec. 21, 2005, 119
Stat. 2608, provided that: ‘‘The amendment made by
subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply to
taxable years beginning after December 31, 2005.’’
EFFECTIVE DATE OF 2004 AMENDMENT
Pub. L. 110–245, title I, § 102(c), June 17, 2008, 122 Stat.
1625, provided that: ‘‘Section 105 of the Working Fami-
lies Tax Relief Act of 2004 [section 105 of Pub. L. 108–311,
set out as a note under section 1 of this title] (relating
to application of EGTRRA sunset to this title [prob-
ably means title I of Pub. L. 108–311, see Tables for clas-
sification]) shall not apply to section 104(b) of such Act
[amending this section].’’
Pub. L. 108–311, title I, § 104(c)(2), Oct. 4, 2004, 118 Stat.
1169, provided that: ‘‘The amendments made by sub-
section (b) [amending this section] shall apply to tax-
able years ending after the date of the enactment of
this Act [Oct. 4, 2004].’’
Amendment by section 205 of Pub. L. 108–311 applica-
ble to taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 2004, see
section 208 of Pub. L. 108–311, set out as a note under
section 2 of this title.
EFFECTIVE DATE OF 2002 AMENDMENT
Pub. L. 107–147, title IV, § 416(a)(2), Mar. 9, 2002, 116
Stat. 55, provided that: ‘‘The amendment made by this
subsection [amending this section] shall take effect as
if included in section 474 of the Tax Reform Act of 1984
[Pub. L. 98–369].’’
EFFECTIVE DATE OF 2001 AMENDMENT
Amendment by section 201(c)(3) of Pub. L. 107–16 ap-
plicable to taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 2000,
see section 201(e)(1) of Pub. L. 107–16, set out as a note
under section 24 of this title.
Pub. L. 107–16, title III, § 303(i), June 7, 2001, 115 Stat.
57, provided that:
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in paragraph (2),
the amendments made by this section [amending this
section and section 6213 of this title] shall apply to tax-
able years beginning after December 31, 2001.
‘‘(2) SUBSECTION (g).—The amendment made by sub-
section (g) [amending section 6213 of this title] shall
take effect on January 1, 2004.’’
EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1999 AMENDMENT
Pub. L. 106–170, title IV, § 412(b), Dec. 17, 1999, 113 Stat.
1917, provided that: ‘‘The amendments made by this
section [amending this section] shall apply to taxable
years beginning after December 31, 1999.’’
EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1998 AMENDMENT
Pub. L. 105–206, title VI, § 6021(c), July 22, 1998, 112
Stat. 824, provided that:
‘‘(1) ELIGIBLE INDIVIDUALS.—The amendment made by
subsection (a) [amending this section] shall take effect
as if included in the amendments made by section 451
of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity
Reconciliation Act of 1996 [Pub. L. 104–193].
‘‘(2) QUALIFYING
CHILDREN.—The amendments made
by subsection (b) [amending this section] shall take ef-
fect as if included in the amendments made by section
11111 of Revenue Reconciliation Act of 1990 [Pub. L.
101–508].’’
Amendment by sections 6003(b) and 6010(p)(1), (2) of
Pub. L. 105–206 effective, except as otherwise provided,
as if included in the provisions of the Taxpayer Relief
Act of 1997, Pub. L. 105–34, to which such amendment
relates, see section 6024 of Pub. L. 105–206, set out as a
note under section 1 of this title.
EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1997 AMENDMENT
Amendment by section 101(b) of Pub. L. 105–34 appli-
cable to taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 1997, see
section 101(e) of Pub. L. 105–34, set out as an Effective
Date note under section 24 of this title.
Amendment by section 312(d)(2) of Pub. L. 105–34 ap-
plicable to sales and exchanges after May 6, 1997, with
certain exceptions, see section 312(d) of Pub. L. 105–34,
set out as a note under section 121 of this title.
Pub. L. 105–34, title X, § 1085(e), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat.
957, provided that:
‘‘(1) The amendments made by subsection (a) [amend-
ing this section and sections 6213 and 6695 of this title]
shall apply to taxable years beginning after December
31, 1996.
‘‘(2) The amendments made by subsections (b), (c),
and (d) [amending this section] shall apply to taxable
years beginning after December 31, 1997.’’
EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1996 AMENDMENT
Pub. L. 104–193, title IV, § 451(d), Aug. 22, 1996, 110
Stat. 2277, provided that: ‘‘The amendments made by
this section [amending this section and section 6213 of
this title] shall apply with respect to returns the due
date for which (without regard to extensions) is more
than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act
[Aug. 22, 1996].’’
Pub. L. 104–193, title IX, § 909(c), Aug. 22, 1996, 110
Stat. 2352, provided that:
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in paragraph (2),
the amendments made by this section [amending this
section] shall apply to taxable years beginning after
December 31, 1995.
‘‘(2) ADVANCE PAYMENT INDIVIDUALS.—In the case of
any individual who on or before June 26, 1996, has in ef-
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TITLE 26—INTERNAL REVENUE CODE
§ 32
fect an earned income eligibility certificate for the in-
dividual’s taxable year beginning in 1996, the amend-
ments made by this section shall apply to taxable years
beginning after December 31, 1996.’’
Pub. L. 104–193, title IX, § 910(c), Aug. 22, 1996, 110
Stat. 2353, provided that:
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in paragraph (2),
the amendments made by this section [amending this
section] shall apply to taxable years beginning after
December 31, 1995.
‘‘(2) ADVANCE PAYMENT INDIVIDUALS.—In the case of
any individual who on or before June 26, 1996, has in ef-
fect an earned income eligibility certificate for the in-
dividual’s taxable year beginning in 1996, the amend-
ments made by this section shall apply to taxable years
beginning after December 31, 1996.’’
EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1995 AMENDMENT
Pub. L. 104–7, § 4(b), Apr. 11, 1995, 109 Stat. 96, provided
that: ‘‘The amendments made by this section [amend-
ing this section] shall apply to taxable years beginning
after December 31, 1995.’’
EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1994 AMENDMENT
Pub. L. 103–465, title VII, § 721(d)(1), Dec. 8, 1994, 108
Stat. 5002, provided that: ‘‘The amendment made by
subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply to
taxable years beginning after December 31, 1994.’’
Pub. L. 103–465, title VII, § 722(b), Dec. 8, 1994, 108 Stat.
5003, provided that: ‘‘The amendment made by sub-
section (a) [amending this section] shall apply to tax-
able years beginning after December 31, 1994.’’
Pub. L. 103–465, title VII, § 723(b), Dec. 8, 1994, 108 Stat.
5003, provided that: ‘‘The amendment made by sub-
section (a) [amending this section] shall apply to tax-
able years beginning after December 31, 1993.’’
Pub. L. 103–465, title VII, § 742(c), Dec. 8, 1994, 108 Stat.
5010, provided that:
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in paragraph (2),
the amendments made by this section [amending this
section and section 6109 of this title] shall apply to re-
turns for taxable years beginning after December 31,
1994.
‘‘(2) EXCEPTION.—The amendments made by this sec-
tion shall not apply to—
‘‘(A) returns for taxable years beginning in 1995
with respect to individuals who are born after Octo-
ber 31, 1995, and
‘‘(B) returns for taxable years beginning in 1996
with respect to individuals who are born after No-
vember 30, 1996.’’
EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1993 AMENDMENT
Pub. L. 103–66, title XIII, § 13131(e), Aug. 10, 1993, 107
Stat. 435, provided that: ‘‘The amendments made by
this section [amending this section and sections 162,
213, and 3507 of this title] shall apply to taxable years
beginning after December 31, 1993.’’
EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1990 AMENDMENT
Amendment by section 11101(d)(1)(B) of Pub. L.
101–508 applicable to taxable years beginning after Dec.
31, 1990, see section 11101(e) of Pub. L. 101–508, set out
as a note under section 1 of this title.
Pub. L. 101–508, title XI, § 11111(f), Nov. 5, 1990, 104
Stat. 1388–413, provided that: ‘‘The amendments made
by this section [amending this section and sections 162,
213, and 3507 of this title] shall apply to taxable years
beginning after December 31, 1990.’’
EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1988 AMENDMENT
Amendment by Pub. L. 100–647 effective, except as
otherwise provided, as if included in the provision of
the Tax Reform Act of 1986, Pub. L. 99–514, to which
such amendment relates, see section 1019(a) of Pub. L.
100–647, set out as a note under section 1 of this title.
EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1986 AMENDMENT
Amendment by sections 104(b)(1)(B) and 111(a)–(d)(1)
of Pub. L. 99–514 applicable to taxable years beginning
after Dec. 31, 1986, see section 151(a) of Pub. L. 99–514,
set out as a note under section 1 of this title.
Amendment by section 1272(d)(4) of Pub. L. 99–514 ap-
plicable to taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 1986,
with certain exceptions and qualifications, see section
1277 of Pub. L. 99–514, set out as a note under section 931
of this title.
Amendment by section 1301(j)(8) of Pub. L. 99–514 ap-
plicable to bonds issued after Aug. 15, 1986, except as
otherwise provided, see sections 1311 to 1318 of Pub. L.
99–514, set out as an Effective Date; Transitional Rules
note under section 141 of this title.
EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1984 AMENDMENT
Amendment by section 423(c)(3) of Pub. L. 98–369 ap-
plicable to taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 1984,
see section 423(d) of Pub. L. 98–369, set out as a note
under section 2 of this title.
Pub. L. 98–369, div. A, title X, § 1042(e), July 18, 1984,
98 Stat. 1044, provided that: ‘‘The amendments made by
this section [amending sections 32 and 3507 of this title]
shall apply to taxable years beginning after December
31, 1984.’’
EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1983 AMENDMENT
Amendment by Pub. L. 98–21 applicable to taxable
years beginning after Dec. 31, 1989, see section 124(d)(2)
of Pub. L. 98–21, set out as a note under section 1401 of
this title.
EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1981 AMENDMENT
Amendment by Pub. L. 97–34 applicable with respect
to taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 1981, see sec-
tion 115 of Pub. L. 97–34, set out as a note under section
911 of this title.
EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1980 AMENDMENT
Pub. L. 96–222, title I, § 101(b)(1)(A), Apr. 1, 1980, 94
Stat. 205, provided that: ‘‘The amendment made by sub-
section (a)(1) [amending this section] shall apply to
taxable years beginning after December 31, 1977.’’
Pub. L. 96–222, title II, § 201, Apr. 1, 1980, 94 Stat. 228,
provided that: ‘‘Except as otherwise provided in title I,
any amendment made by title I [see Tables for classi-
fication] shall take effect as if it had been included in
the provision of the Revenue Act of 1978 [Pub. L. 95–600,
see Tables for classification] to which such amendment
relates.’’
EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1978 AMENDMENT
Pub. L. 95–600, title I, § 104(f), Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat.
2773, provided that: ‘‘The amendments made by this
section [amending this section] shall apply to taxable
years beginning after December 31, 1978.’’
Pub. L. 95–600, title I, § 105(g)(1), Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat.
2776, provided that: ‘‘The amendments made by sub-
sections (a) and (d) [amending this section and section
6012 of this title] shall apply to taxable years beginning
after December 31, 1978.’’
EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1978 AMENDMENT; ELECTION OF
PRIOR LAW
Amendment by Pub. L. 95–615 applicable to taxable
years beginning after Dec. 31, 1977, with provision for
election of prior law, see section 209 of Pub. L. 95–615,
set out as a note under section 911 of this title.
EFFECTIVE AND TERMINATION DATES OF 1976
AMENDMENT
Pub. L. 94–455, title IV, § 401(e), Oct. 4, 1976, 90 Stat.
1558, as amended by Pub. L. 95–30, title I, § 103(c), May
23, 1977, 91 Stat. 139; Pub. L. 95–600, title I, § 103(b), Nov.
6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2771, provided that: ‘‘The amendments
made by subsection (a) [amending sections 43 [now 32]
and 6096 of this title] shall apply to taxable years end-
ing after December 31, 1975, and shall cease to apply to
taxable years ending after December 31, 1978. The
amendments made by subsection (c) [amending this
Page 147
TITLE 26—INTERNAL REVENUE CODE
§ 32
section] shall apply to taxable years ending after De-
cember 31, 1975. The amendments made by subsection
(b) [amending sections 141 and 6012 of this title] shall
apply to taxable years ending after December 31, 1975.
The amendments made by subsection (d) [amending
section 3402 of this title] shall apply to wages paid after
September 14, 1976.’’
EFFECTIVE AND TERMINATION DATES OF 1975
AMENDMENT
Pub. L. 94–164, § 2(g), Dec. 23, 1975, 89 Stat. 972, as
amended by Pub. L. 94–455, § 402(b), provided that: ‘‘The
amendments made by this section [amending sections
43 [now 32], 141, 3402, and 6012 of this title and provi-
sions set out as notes under sections 42 and 43 [now 32]
of this title] (other than by subsection (d) [enacting
provisions set out as a note under this section]) apply
to taxable years ending after December 31, 1975, and be-
fore January 1, 1978. Subsection (d) applies to taxable
years ending after December 31, 1975.’’
Pub. L. 94–12, title II, § 209(b), Mar. 29, 1975, 89 Stat. 35,
as amended by Pub. L. 94–164, § 2(f), Dec. 23, 1975, 89
Stat. 972; Pub. L. 94–455, title IV, § 401(c)(1)(A), Oct. 4,
1976, 90 Stat. 1557; Pub. L. 95–30, title I, § 103(b), May 23,
1977, 91 Stat. 139; Pub. L. 95–600, title I, § 103(a), Nov. 6,
1978, 92 Stat. 2771, provided that: ‘‘The amendments
made by section 204 [enacting this section and amend-
ing sections 6201 and 6401 of this title] shall apply to
taxable years beginning after December 31, 1974.’’
SAVINGS PROVISION
For provisions that nothing in amendment by section
401(b)(4) of Pub. L. 115–141 be construed to affect treat-
ment of certain transactions occurring, property ac-
quired, or items of income, loss, deduction, or credit
taken into account prior to Mar. 23, 2018, for purposes
of determining liability for tax for periods ending after
Mar. 23, 2018, see section 401(e) of Pub. L. 115–141, set
out as a note under section 23 of this title.
INFORMATION RETURN MATCHING
Pub. L. 117–2, title IX, § 9621(b), Mar. 11, 2021, 135 Stat.
153, provided that: ‘‘As soon as practicable, the Sec-
retary of the Treasury (or the Secretary’s delegate)
shall develop and implement procedures to use infor-
mation returns under section 6050S (relating to returns
relating to higher education tuition and related ex-
penses) to check the status of individuals as specified
students for purposes of section 32(n)(1)(B)(ii) of the In-
ternal Revenue Code of 1986 (as added by this section).’’
TEMPORARY SPECIAL RULE FOR DETERMINING EARNED
INCOME FOR PURPOSES OF EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT
Pub. L. 117–2, title IX, § 9626, Mar. 11, 2021, 135 Stat.
157, provided that:
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—If the earned income of the tax-
payer for the taxpayer’s first taxable year beginning in
2021 is less than the earned income of the taxpayer for
the taxpayer’s first taxable year beginning in 2019, the
credit allowed under section 32 of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986 may, at the election of the taxpayer, be de-
termined by substituting—
‘‘(1) such earned income for the taxpayer’s first tax-
able year beginning in 2019, for
‘‘(2) such earned income for the taxpayer’s first tax-
able year beginning in 2021.
‘‘(b) EARNED INCOME.—
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—For purposes of this section, the
term ‘earned income’ has the meaning given such
term under section 32(c) of the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986.
‘‘(2) APPLICATION TO JOINT RETURNS.—For purposes
of subsection (a), in the case of a joint return, the
earned income of the taxpayer for the first taxable
year beginning in 2019 shall be the sum of the earned
income of each spouse for such taxable year.
‘‘(c) SPECIAL RULES.—
‘‘(1) ERRORS TREATED AS MATHEMATICAL ERRORS.—
For purposes of section 6213 of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, an incorrect use on a return of earned
income pursuant to subsection (a) shall be treated as
a mathematical or clerical error.
‘‘(2) NO EFFECT ON DETERMINATION OF GROSS INCOME,
ETC.—Except as otherwise provided in this sub-
section, the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 shall be ap-
plied without regard to any substitution under sub-
section (a).
‘‘(d) TREATMENT OF CERTAIN POSSESSIONS.—
‘‘(1) PAYMENTS TO POSSESSIONS WITH MIRROR CODE
TAX SYSTEMS.—The Secretary of the Treasury shall
pay to each possession of the United States which has
a mirror code tax system amounts equal to the loss
(if any) to that possession by reason of the applica-
tion of the provisions of this section (other than this
subsection) with respect to section 32 of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986. Such amounts shall be deter-
mined by the Secretary of the Treasury based on in-
formation provided by the government of the respec-
tive possession.
‘‘(2) PAYMENTS
TO
OTHER
POSSESSIONS.—The Sec-
retary of the Treasury shall pay to each possession of
the United States which does not have a mirror code
tax system amounts estimated by the Secretary of
the Treasury as being equal to the aggregate benefits
(if any) that would have been provided to residents of
such possession by reason of the provisions of this
section (other than this subsection) with respect to
section 32 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 if a
mirror code tax system had been in effect in such pos-
session. The preceding sentence shall not apply un-
less the respective possession has a plan, which has
been approved by the Secretary of the Treasury,
under which such possession will promptly distribute
such payments to its residents.
‘‘(3) MIRROR CODE TAX SYSTEM.—For purposes of this
section, the term ‘mirror code tax system’ means,
with respect to any possession of the United States,
the income tax system of such possession if the in-
come tax liability of the residents of such possession
under such system is determined by reference to the
income tax laws of the United States as if such pos-
session were the United States.
‘‘(4) TREATMENT OF PAYMENTS.—For purposes of sec-
tion 1324 of title 31, United States Code, the payments
under this section shall be treated in the same man-
ner as a refund due from a credit provision referred to
in subsection (b)(2) of such section.’’
TEMPORARY SPECIAL RULE FOR DETERMINATION OF
EARNED INCOME
Pub. L. 116–260, div. EE, title II, § 211, Dec. 27, 2020, 134
Stat. 3066, provided that:
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—If the earned income of the tax-
payer for the taxpayer’s first taxable year beginning in
2020 is less than the earned income of the taxpayer for
the preceding taxable year, the credits allowed under
sections 24(d) and 32 of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986 may, at the election of the taxpayer, be deter-
mined by substituting—
‘‘(1) such earned income for the preceding taxable
year, for
‘‘(2) such earned income for the taxpayer’s first tax-
able year beginning in 2020.
‘‘(b) EARNED INCOME.—
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—For purposes of this section, the
term ‘earned income’ has the meaning given such
term under section 32(c) of the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986.
‘‘(2) APPLICATION TO JOINT RETURNS.—For purposes
of subsection (a), in the case of a joint return, the
earned income of the taxpayer for the preceding tax-
able year shall be the sum of the earned income of
each spouse for such preceding taxable year.
‘‘(c) SPECIAL RULES.—
‘‘(1) ERRORS TREATED AS MATHEMATICAL ERROR.—For
purposes of section 6213 of the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986, an incorrect use on a return of earned income
pursuant to subsection (a) shall be treated as a math-
ematical or clerical error.
Page 148
TITLE 26—INTERNAL REVENUE CODE
§ 33
‘‘(2) NO EFFECT ON DETERMINATION OF GROSS INCOME,
ETC.—Except as otherwise provided in this section,
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 shall be applied
without regard to any substitution under subsection
(a).’’
STUDY ON EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT CERTIFICATION
PROGRAM
Pub. L. 108–199, div. F, title II, § 206, Jan. 23, 2004, 118
Stat. 319, provided that:
‘‘(a) STUDY.—The Internal Revenue Service shall con-
duct a study, as a part of any program that requires
certification (including pre-certification) in order to
claim the earned income tax credit under section 32 of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, on the following
matters:
‘‘(1) The costs (in time and money) incurred by the
participants in the program.
‘‘(2) The administrative costs incurred by the Inter-
nal Revenue Service in operating the program.
‘‘(3) The percentage of individuals included in the
program who were not certified for the credit, includ-
ing the percentage of individuals who were not cer-
tified due to—
‘‘(A) ineligibility for the credit; and
‘‘(B) failure to complete the requirements for cer-
tification.
‘‘(4) The percentage of individuals to whom para-
graph (3)(B) applies who were—
‘‘(A) otherwise eligible for the credit; and
‘‘(B) otherwise ineligible for the credit.
‘‘(5) The percentage of individuals to whom para-
graph (3)(B) applies who—
‘‘(A) did not respond to the request for certifi-
cation; and
‘‘(B) responded to such request but otherwise
failed to complete the requirements for certifi-
cation.
‘‘(6) The reasons—
‘‘(A) for which individuals described in paragraph
(5)(A) did not respond to requests for certification;
and
‘‘(B) for which individuals described in paragraph
(5)(B) had difficulty in completing the requirements
for certification.
‘‘(7) The characteristics of those individuals who
were denied the credit due to—
‘‘(A) failure to complete the requirements for cer-
tification; and
‘‘(B) ineligibility for the credit.
‘‘(8) The impact of the program on non-English
speaking participants.
‘‘(9) The impact of the program on homeless and
other highly transient individuals.
‘‘(b) REPORT.—
‘‘(1) PRELIMINARY REPORT.—Not later than July 30,
2004, the Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Serv-
ice shall submit to Congress a preliminary report on
the study conducted under subsection (a).
‘‘(2) FINAL REPORT.—Not later than June 30, 2005,
the Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service
shall submit to Congress a final report detailing the
findings of the study conducted under subsection
(a).’’
PROGRAM TO INCREASE PUBLIC AWARENESS
Secretary of the Treasury, or Secretary’s delegate, to
establish taxpayer awareness program to inform tax-
paying public of availability of earned income credit
and child health insurance under this section, see sec-
tion 11114 of Pub. L. 101–508, set out as a note under sec-
tion 21 of this title.
EMPLOYEE NOTIFICATION
Pub. L. 99–514, title I, § 111(e), Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat.
2108, provided that: ‘‘The Secretary of the Treasury is
directed to require, under regulations, employers to no-
tify any employee who has not had any tax withheld
from wages (other than an employee whose wages are
exempt from withholding pursuant to section 3402(n) of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986) that such employee
may be eligible for a refund because of the earned in-
come credit.’’
DISREGARD OF REFUND FOR DETERMINATION OF
ELIGIBILITY FOR FEDERAL BENEFITS OR ASSISTANCE
Pub. L. 94–164, § 2(d), Dec. 23, 1975, 89 Stat. 972, as
amended by Pub. L. 94–455, title IV, § 402(a), Oct. 4, 1976,
90 Stat. 1558; Pub. L. 95–600, title I, § 105(f), Nov. 6, 1978,
92 Stat. 2776; Pub. L. 99–514, § 2, Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat.
2095, provided that: ‘‘Any refund of Federal income
taxes made to any individual by reason of section 43
[now 32] of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 [formerly
I.R.C. 1954] (relating to earned income credit), and any
payment made by an employer under [former] section
3507 of such Code (relating to advance payment of
earned income credit) shall not be taken into account
in any year ending before 1980 as income or receipts for
purposes of determining the eligibility, for the month
in which such refund is made or any month thereafter
of such individual or any other individual for benefits
or assistance, or the amount or extent of benefits or as-
sistance, under any Federal program or under any
State or local program financed in whole or in part
with Federal funds, but only if such individual (or the
family unit of which he is a member) is a recipient of
benefits or assistance under such a program for the
month before the month in which such refund is made.’’
[Pub. L. 95–600, title I, § 105(g)(3), Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat.
2776, provided that: ‘‘Subsection (f) [amending section
2(d) of Pub. L. 94–164, set out above] shall take effect on
the date of enactment of this Act [Nov. 6, 1978].’’]
§ 33. Tax withheld at source on nonresident
aliens and foreign corporations
There shall be allowed as a credit against the
tax imposed by this subtitle the amount of tax
withheld at source under subchapter A of chap-
ter 3 (relating to withholding of tax on non-
resident aliens and on foreign corporations).
(Aug. 16, 1954, ch. 736, 68A Stat. 13, § 32; renum-
bered § 33 and amended Pub. L. 98–369, div. A,
title IV, §§ 471(c), 474(j), July 18, 1984, 98 Stat. 826,
832.)
Editorial Notes
PRIOR PROVISIONS
A prior section 33 was renumbered section 27 of this
title.
AMENDMENTS
1984—Pub. L. 98–369, § 471(c), renumbered section 32 of
this title as this section.
Pub. L. 98–369, § 474(j), amended section generally,
striking out ‘‘and on tax-free covenant bonds’’ after
‘‘foreign corporations’’ in section catchline, and, in
text, substituting ‘‘as a credit against the tax imposed
by this subtitle’’ for ‘‘as credits against the tax im-
posed by this chapter’’, and striking out designation
‘‘(1)’’ before ‘‘the amount of tax withheld’’, and ‘‘, and
(2) the amount of tax withheld at source under sub-
chapter B of chapter 3 (relating to interest on tax-free
covenant bonds)’’ after ‘‘on foreign corporations)’’.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1984 AMENDMENT
Pub. L. 98–369, div. A, title IV, § 475(b), July 18, 1984,
98 Stat. 847, provided that: ‘‘The amendments made by
subsections (j) and (r)(29) [amending this section and
sections 12, 164, 1441, 1442, 6049, and 7701 of this title and
repealing section 1451 of this title] shall not apply with
respect to obligations issued before January 1, 1984.’’
Cross-references
Connections may be documented source relationships, shared citations or nearby passages. Each explains its basis; a connection alone does not establish applicability to your situation.
Federal law — U.S. Code and appendices · legal_authorities
**(a) Allowance of credit**
(1) **In general** — In the case of an eligible individual, there shall be allowed as a credit against the tax imposed by this subtitle for the taxable year an amount equal to the credit percentage of so much of the taxpayer’s earned income for the taxable year as does not exceed the earned income amount.
(2) **Limitation** — The amount of the credit allowable to a taxpayer under paragraph (1) for any taxable year shall not exceed the excess (if any) of—
(A) the credit percentage of the earned income amount, over
(B) the phaseout percentage of so much of the adjusted gross income (or, if greater, the earned income) of the taxpayer for the taxable year as exceeds the phaseout amount.
**(b) Percentages and amounts** For purposes of subsection (a)—
(1) **Percentages** — The credit percentage and the phaseout percentage shall be determined as follows: In the case of an eligible individual with:The credit percentage is:Thephaseoutpercentageis: 1 qualifying child3415.98 2 qualifying children4021.06 3 or more qualifying children4521.06 No qualifying children7.65 7.65
(2) **Amounts**
(A) *In general* — Subject to subparagraph (B), the earned income amount and the phaseout amount shall be determined as follows: In the case of an eligible individual with:The earned income amount is:Thephaseoutamount is: 1 qualifying child$6,330$11,610 2 or more qualifying children$8,890$11,610 No qualifying children$4,220 $5,280
(B) *Joint returns* — In the case of a joint return filed by an eligible individual and such individual’s spouse, the phaseout amount determined under subparagraph (A) shall be increased by $5,000.
**(c) Definitions and special rules** For purposes of this section—
(1) **Eligible individual**
(A) *In general* — The term “e