Last updated: May 19, 2026
Bottom line
Delaware single mothers may be able to claim federal tax credits and Delaware state tax credits when they file a tax return. The main credits to check are the federal Earned Income Tax Credit, the federal Child Tax Credit, the federal child and dependent care credit, Delaware’s state EITC, and Delaware’s child care and dependent care credit.
Tax credits are not grants. A credit can lower the tax you owe, and some credits can increase your refund. You usually must file a federal return and a Delaware return to claim the full help. This guide is general information only, not tax advice. For personal help, use an IRS-certified free tax site, the Delaware Division of Revenue, or a trusted tax professional.
If you need tax help quickly
If you are behind on filing, got a tax letter, need your refund, or are worried about a scam, do not guess. Start with official help.
- Use Delaware filing help to find free state and federal tax preparation for qualifying Delaware taxpayers.
- Use IRS Free File if your income fits the free guided filing rules.
- Check a Delaware refund through the official refund status tool.
- Call Delaware 211 or use Delaware tax help if you need a local VITA site, tax issue help, or other support.
Where to start
The best first step is to gather your income papers and file a complete federal return. Delaware’s state EITC is based on your federal EITC, so your federal return matters first. Then file your Delaware return and choose the Delaware EITC option that helps you most.
If you worked in 2025
Check EITC. Earned income can include wages, tips, self-employment, gig work, and some disability pay before retirement age. Unemployment, child support, Social Security, and interest are not earned income for EITC.
If you have children
Check the Child Tax Credit, the Additional Child Tax Credit, and the Credit for Other Dependents. These rules depend on the child’s age, relationship, residency, support, dependent status, and taxpayer ID rules.
If you paid for care
Check the child and dependent care credit if you paid for care so you could work or look for work. Delaware also has a state credit tied to the federal credit.
For broader benefits, use the Delaware assistance guide. If taxes are only one part of the problem, you may also need emergency help, TANF help, or utility help.
Quick credit table
| Credit or help | What it can help with | Refundable? | Where to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal EITC | Low-to-moderate earnings from work | Yes, if you qualify | IRS EITC rules |
| Delaware EITC | State credit based on your federal EITC | Choose 20% nonrefundable or 4.5% refundable | Delaware tax return |
| Child Tax Credit | Qualifying children under age 17 | Part may be refundable as ACTC | IRS Schedule 8812 |
| Credit for Other Dependents | Some dependents who do not qualify for CTC | No | IRS Schedule 8812 |
| Child and dependent care credit | Care costs so you can work or look for work | Federal credit is not refundable | IRS Form 2441 |
| Delaware care credit | State credit tied to the federal care credit | No | Delaware resident return |
Federal and Delaware EITC
The federal EITC is one of the most important tax credits for working parents with modest income. The IRS says the amount depends on income, filing status, investment income, and how many qualifying children you claim. Use the official EITC tables and the IRS assistant before you file.
| Tax year 2025 | Income under if single or head of household | Income under if married filing jointly | Maximum federal EITC |
|---|---|---|---|
| No qualifying child | $19,104 | $26,214 | $649 |
| 1 qualifying child | $50,434 | $57,554 | $4,328 |
| 2 qualifying children | $57,310 | $64,430 | $7,152 |
| 3 or more qualifying children | $61,555 | $68,675 | $8,046 |
For 2025 returns, the federal EITC investment income limit is $11,950. EITC rules can be strict. Your child must meet the IRS tests, and the same child usually cannot be used by two people for the same credit.
Delaware’s state EITC is based on the federal credit. Under current Delaware tax law, a resident who qualifies may choose either 20% of the federal EITC as a nonrefundable Delaware credit, or 4.5% of the federal EITC with the part over the state tax due treated as refundable.
How to think about the Delaware choice
If you owe Delaware income tax, the 20% nonrefundable option may be better because it can reduce more tax. If you owe little or no Delaware tax, the 4.5% refundable option may be better because it can still create a Delaware refund. A free tax preparer or tax software should compare both choices.
Child Tax Credit and other dependent credits
The federal Child Tax Credit can help if you have a qualifying child under age 17 at the end of the tax year. For tax year 2025, the IRS says the Child Tax Credit is worth up to $2,200 per qualifying child, and the refundable Additional Child Tax Credit can be up to $1,700 per qualifying child, depending on your income and tax situation.
To qualify, the child generally must live with you for more than half the year, be claimed as your dependent, meet relationship and support rules, and have a Social Security number valid for work by the due date of the return. If a child is too old for the Child Tax Credit, or another dependent does not qualify, the Credit for Other Dependents may still help.
For a plain-language overview, see ASMOM’s Child Tax Credit guide. If the other parent may claim the same child, get advice before filing. Filing first does not always mean filing correctly.
Child and dependent care credit
The federal child and dependent care credit may help if you paid for care so you could work or look for work. It can apply to care for a child under age 13, and it can also apply to some care for a spouse or dependent who cannot care for themselves.
For tax year 2025, IRS Publication 503 says the dollar limit for expenses is $3,000 for one qualifying person or $6,000 for two or more qualifying persons. The credit percentage is based on adjusted gross income and can range up to 35% for lower-income households. You claim it with Form 2441, and the federal credit is limited to your tax. That means it does not create a federal refund by itself.
Delaware also gives residents a state child care and dependent care expense credit equal to 50% of the federal credit allowed for the same tax year. Delaware’s law says the state credit cannot be more than the Delaware tax otherwise due, so it is not a refundable state credit.
Watch the care provider rules
Keep the provider’s name, address, and taxpayer ID if possible. Payments to your spouse, the child’s parent when the child is under 13, your dependent, or your child under age 19 usually do not count. Preschool and day camp may count in some cases. Kindergarten, school tuition, overnight camp, and child support do not count as care expenses.
If care costs are still too high, check child care help and afterschool programs in Delaware.
Other credits and deductions to ask about
Some Delaware single mothers may have other tax items worth checking. Do not add a credit unless you truly qualify and can document it.
| Tax item | Who should ask | Reality check |
|---|---|---|
| Education credits | Parents or students paying college costs | The IRS says AOTC is partly refundable and LLC is not refundable. You cannot double count the same expenses. |
| Delaware personal credits | Delaware residents with exemptions on the state return | Delaware law lists a personal credit, but it cannot be more than the tax due. |
| Volunteer firefighter credit | Active members of Delaware volunteer fire, ambulance, or rescue groups | This is narrow and must match Delaware rules. |
| Self-employment deductions | Gig workers, cleaners, delivery drivers, caregivers, and small sellers | You may owe self-employment tax. Good records matter. |
If you are in school or training, also see scholarships for mothers and Delaware job training help. Scholarships and grants can affect taxes differently depending on how the money is used.
How to file and where to get free help
Most calendar-year taxpayers had an April 15, 2026 deadline for 2025 federal returns. If you got a valid extension, the federal filing deadline is October 15, 2026, but an extension gives more time to file, not more time to pay. If you missed a deadline, file as soon as you can. You may still be able to claim a refund for a prior year, but time limits apply.
Delaware taxpayers can get state forms through the official Delaware tax forms page. If you qualify for free help, Delaware lists Nehemiah Gateway Community Development Corporation as a free filing assistance option for qualifying households. IRS Free File is another option for federal filing, and some partners offer free state filing too.
Free in-person help
Look for VITA or Tax Counseling for the Elderly sites. IRS-certified volunteers can help with many common returns, including EITC and Child Tax Credit claims.
Online filing
IRS Free File guided software is available for people under the yearly income limit. Read each provider’s state filing rules before you start.
State questions
For Delaware personal income tax questions, contact the Revenue office. The state lists personal income tax assistance and refund assistance phone numbers.
Documents checklist
Bring more than you think you need. Missing papers can delay a refund or cause a denial.
- Photo ID for you and, if filing jointly, your spouse.
- Social Security cards or ITIN letters for everyone on the return.
- W-2 forms, 1099 forms, self-employment income records, and gig app summaries.
- Child care provider name, address, and taxpayer ID or Social Security number.
- School Form 1098-T and receipts for qualified education costs, if claiming education credits.
- Proof that the child lived with you, such as school, medical, child care, lease, benefit, or court records.
- Bank routing and account number for direct deposit.
- IRS or Delaware letters you received.
- Last year’s tax return, if available.
Refund timing and refund safety
The IRS must hold refunds that include EITC or the Additional Child Tax Credit until mid-February. For many early filers, the IRS says refunds may arrive by March 2 if the return was filed online, direct deposit was chosen, and the IRS found no issues. Your date can be different, so use the IRS refund tool for your own return.
Delaware’s refund tool asks for your Social Security number or ITIN and expected refund amount. The state says a pending refund may need 10 to 12 weeks to process. Delaware also warns that the Division of Revenue does not send text messages about tax refunds. Do not answer texts asking for personal or bank information.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Claiming the wrong filing status. Many single parents use head of household, but you must meet the rules.
- Guessing which parent claims the child. Custody, residency, release forms, and support rules can matter.
- Leaving off gig income. Delivery, rideshare, cleaning, babysitting, and online sales may need to be reported.
- Using child care costs twice. Do not double count expenses paid with dependent care benefits.
- Paying a bad preparer. Avoid anyone who promises a bigger refund before seeing your papers.
If your return is denied, delayed, or confusing
If the IRS or Delaware sends a letter, read it before calling. Many letters ask for proof of income, proof that a child lived with you, identity verification, or a corrected form. Do not ignore the deadline in the letter.
If a tax problem is tied to custody, child support, domestic violence, identity theft, or a tax debt you cannot pay, get help before sending more papers. You may need a legal aid office, a tax clinic, or a qualified tax professional. For family-law or safety-related concerns, start with Delaware legal help. For child support issues, see child support help.
Backup options if your refund is delayed
A tax refund can help, but it is not safe to count on an exact date. If rent, food, health care, or child needs cannot wait, use other help paths now.
- For food and nutrition, check Delaware WIC help and SNAP through the state benefits system.
- For medical bills, pregnancy, or children’s coverage, check health coverage help.
- For job loss or reduced hours, check job loss help.
- For household items or child supplies, local churches, community groups, and 211 may know what is open nearby.
Phone scripts
Calling a free tax site
“Hi, I am a Delaware resident and a single parent. I need help filing a federal and Delaware return and checking EITC and Child Tax Credit. Are you taking appointments, and what documents should I bring?”
Calling Delaware Revenue
“Hi, I have a question about my Delaware personal income tax return. I need help understanding the Delaware EITC choice and my refund status. Can you tell me what information you need from me?”
Calling about an IRS letter
“Hi, I received a tax letter about my return. I want to respond correctly. Can you help me understand what proof is being requested and the deadline to respond?”
Calling 211
“Hi, I need free tax preparation or tax issue help in Delaware. I also need help with bills while I wait for my refund. What local programs are available in my ZIP code?”
Resumen en español
Las madres solteras en Delaware pueden revisar créditos de impuestos como EITC, Child Tax Credit y el crédito por cuidado de niños. Delaware también tiene un EITC estatal y un crédito estatal por cuidado de dependientes, pero las reglas son diferentes. Presente una declaración federal y una de Delaware si debe hacerlo o si puede recibir un reembolso. Use ayuda gratis de impuestos si no está segura. No responda mensajes de texto que pidan información bancaria para un reembolso.
FAQ
Can single mothers in Delaware get EITC?
Yes, if they meet federal EITC rules. Delaware residents who qualify for the federal EITC may also claim a Delaware EITC choice on the state return.
Is Delaware’s EITC refundable?
Delaware gives a choice. You can choose 20% of the federal EITC as a nonrefundable state credit, or 4.5% of the federal EITC with any amount over your Delaware tax treated as refundable.
Can I claim the Child Tax Credit if I owe no tax?
You may still qualify for the refundable Additional Child Tax Credit if you meet the rules. The IRS rules depend on income, the child’s Social Security number, age, residency, and other tests.
Can child care costs increase my Delaware refund?
The federal child and dependent care credit is not refundable, and Delaware’s matching care credit is also limited by your Delaware tax. It can lower tax owed, but it may not create a refund by itself.
Where can I get free tax help in Delaware?
Start with Delaware’s official filing assistance page, Delaware 211, IRS VITA/TCE, or IRS Free File. Availability changes during the season, so check appointments early.
About this guide
This guide uses official federal, state, local, and other high-trust nonprofit and community sources mentioned in the article.
A Single Mother is independent and is not a government agency, benefits office, lender, law firm, medical provider, or tax advisor.
Program rules, funding, local availability, and eligibility can change. Always confirm details with the official program before you apply or make decisions.
Verification: Last verified May 19, 2026, next review August 19, 2026.
Corrections: If you see something wrong or outdated, email suggestions@asinglemother.org.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It is not legal, financial, medical, tax, immigration, disability, safety, or government-agency advice.