16 Tax Problems Most Single-Income Families Are Facing

Not Qualifying for the EITC Due to Certain Income

To qualify for the earned income tax credit, you must actually have earned income. So if alimony or child support was your only income, you can’t qualify for the credit. Social Security and unemployment benefits also don’t count as earned income.

You also can be disqualified for the credit if you receive investment income that exceeds a certain amount. For 2016 returns, the amount is $3,400.