Last updated: May 20, 2026
Bottom line
Tax credits can lower the tax you owe. Some credits can also add to your refund. For many single mothers, the most important tax credits to check are the Earned Income Tax Credit, the Child Tax Credit, the Additional Child Tax Credit, and the Child and Dependent Care Credit.
This guide is for general information only. It is not tax advice. Tax rules can change, and small details can matter. Use official IRS tools, free IRS-certified help, or a qualified tax professional before you file.
Start with the IRS filing checker even if your income was low, because filing can be the only way to get a refund or claim a refundable credit.
If you need tax help now
If you received an IRS letter, your refund is missing, someone filed using your information, or a paid preparer will not give you a copy of your return, do not ignore it. Save the letter, keep screenshots, and write down dates.
If your refund is delayed, use the IRS refund page with the exact refund amount from your return. If your identity may be at risk, an IP PIN may help protect your federal return before someone else files with your Social Security number or ITIN.
Where to start
Taxes can feel stressful when you are working, caring for children, and trying to cover bills. A simple order helps.
1. Check if filing helps
You may want to file even if you are not required to file. A return may help you get federal tax withheld from your paycheck back, or claim a refundable credit.
2. Check credits before filing
Do not file too quickly if you are missing W-2s, 1099s, child care provider details, or proof that a child lived with you. Missing details can delay your refund.
3. Use free help first
IRS Free File and VITA can help many families avoid tax filing fees. A paid preparer is not required for every return.
Quick tax credit table
| Tax item | What it may help with | Basic reality check |
|---|---|---|
| Earned Income Tax Credit | May reduce tax and may increase a refund for workers with low or moderate income. | You must have earned income and meet IRS rules for income, filing status, Social Security numbers, and qualifying children. |
| Child Tax Credit | May reduce tax for a qualifying child under IRS rules. | The child must meet age, relationship, residency, support, dependent, citizenship, and Social Security number rules. |
| Additional Child Tax Credit | May provide the refundable part of the Child Tax Credit for some families. | The IRS cannot issue refunds with ACTC before mid-February, and the whole refund can be held. |
| Child and Dependent Care Credit | May help with care costs paid so you can work or look for work. | This credit is limited by your tax and usually does not create a refund by itself. |
| State tax credits | May add state help, depending on where you live. | State credits vary. Check your state tax agency or ask VITA if your state return is included. |
Earned Income Tax Credit
The Earned Income Tax Credit, often called EITC or EIC, is for workers with low to moderate income. The IRS says it can reduce the taxes you owe and may increase your refund.
To start, review the EITC page and use the EITC Assistant before filing if your work, income, or child situation changed.
For tax year 2025, the IRS lists EITC income limits by filing status and number of qualifying children. The maximum credit ranges from $649 with no qualifying children to $8,046 with three or more qualifying children. These numbers change by tax year, so use the EITC tables for the year you are filing.
What counts as earned income?
Earned income can include wages, tips, some self-employment income, and certain disability benefits received before minimum retirement age. It does not include child support, unemployment, Social Security benefits, interest, dividends, pensions, or alimony.
Single mothers should be careful with EITC child rules. A child may have to meet age, relationship, residency, and joint return tests. Only one person can claim the same child for the main family tax benefits. If two people may claim the same child, the IRS has tiebreaker rules. If custody or support is disputed, consider using free tax help or a qualified tax professional.
Child Tax Credit and Additional Child Tax Credit
The Child Tax Credit can help families with qualifying children. The IRS says the Child Tax Credit is nonrefundable, while the Additional Child Tax Credit is the refundable part for some eligible families.
For tax year 2025, the IRS says the Child Tax Credit is worth up to $2,200 per qualifying child. The Additional Child Tax Credit may be up to $1,700 per qualifying child, depending on income, and you must have at least $2,500 of earned income to be eligible for ACTC. Check the official Child Tax Credit page before filing.
For 2025, a qualifying child generally must be under 17 at the end of the tax year, live with you for more than half the year, be claimed as your dependent, not provide more than half of their own support, not file a joint return except only to claim a refund, and meet citizenship or resident rules. You and the child must also meet Social Security number rules.
If you claim CTC, ACTC, or the Credit for Other Dependents, you usually need to complete Schedule 8812 with your Form 1040. Free filing software or VITA can help you avoid leaving this schedule out.
Child and Dependent Care Credit
The Child and Dependent Care Credit is different from a child care subsidy. It is a federal tax credit for certain care costs you paid so you could work or look for work. It may cover care for a qualifying child under age 13, or care for a spouse or dependent who cannot care for themselves.
The IRS says the credit can be up to 35% of employment-related expenses. The yearly expense limit is $3,000 for one qualifying person or $6,000 for two or more qualifying persons. The credit is limited to your tax, so it usually does not create a refund by itself. Read Publication 503 for the detailed rules.
You need the care provider’s name, address, and taxpayer identification number if available. To claim the credit, file Form 2441 with your return. If your employer gave you dependent care benefits, such as a dependent care FSA, those benefits can reduce the expenses you may use for the credit.
If you need help paying for care before tax time, this credit may not solve the problem right away. See ASMOM’s child care help guide for programs that may help during the year.
State tax credits
Some states have their own earned income credits, child credits, child care credits, renter credits, property tax credits, or low-income credits. Others do not. Some state credits are refundable, and others only reduce state tax owed.
Do not assume your federal refund tells the whole story. Ask a VITA site whether they prepare your state return, and check your state tax agency before paying extra for state filing. If you moved during the year, worked in more than one state, or had custody changes, ask for help before filing.
Free tax filing options
Many single mothers do not need to pay a high filing fee. The best option depends on your income, comfort level, state return, language needs, and whether your return is simple or complicated.
| Option | Best for | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| IRS Free File guided software | People with adjusted gross income of $89,000 or less for the 2025 filing season. | Start through IRS Free File, not a company ad. Some state returns may cost money. |
| Free File Fillable Forms | People who are comfortable doing their own tax forms. | It has limited calculations and does not include state filing. |
| VITA | People who generally make $69,000 or less, people with disabilities, and limited English-speaking taxpayers. | Services vary by site. Start with VITA tax help before visiting. |
| VITA locator | Finding nearby free tax help during filing season. | The VITA locator is updated during tax season, and appointments may fill. |
| Paid preparer | Complicated returns, business income, prior-year returns, amended returns, or disputes. | Use IRS guidance to choose a preparer before signing. |
Documents to gather before you file
Filing with missing papers can cause delays, rejected returns, or letters later. Keep copies of your filed return and all records in a safe place.
| Bring or gather | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Photo ID and Social Security cards or ITIN letters | Needed to verify identity and avoid name or number errors. |
| W-2s, 1099s, self-employment records, and gig income records | Used to report income and check EITC or other credit rules. |
| Child care provider name, address, and taxpayer ID | Needed for the Child and Dependent Care Credit when you claim care expenses. |
| Proof a child lived with you | School, medical, child care, shelter, or benefits records may help if the IRS asks for proof. |
| Bank routing and account numbers | Direct deposit can be faster and safer than a paper check when the account is yours. |
| IRS letters and last year’s return | Letters may need a response, and last year’s return may help with electronic filing identity checks. |
For a broader benefit paperwork list, use ASMOM’s documents checklist before you apply for other help.
Refund delays and reduced refunds
A refund is not guaranteed, and it may not arrive when bills are due. The IRS says a typical refund may take about 3 weeks after e-filing or 6 or more weeks after a mailed return, but delays can happen.
By law, the IRS cannot issue refunds that include EITC or ACTC before mid-February. This hold applies to the whole refund, not only the credit part. A refund can also be delayed for math errors, missing forms, identity checks, amended returns, or manual review.
A refund can also be reduced for certain past-due debts, including child support, federal agency debts, or state income tax. If child support is part of your financial picture, ASMOM’s child support guide may help you understand the support system, but tax offset questions should go to the official notice or a qualified tax professional.
Filing safety and scam warnings
Tax season brings scams. Be careful with anyone who promises a huge refund, asks you to lie about income or dependents, wants your login, refuses to sign the return, or tells you not to review the return before filing.
- Do not share your IRS account login with a preparer or stranger.
- Do not sign a blank tax return.
- Make sure the preparer signs the return and includes a valid preparer tax identification number when required.
- Use your own bank account for direct deposit unless you understand and agree to every fee and product.
- Be careful with refund advance products. They may cost money or reduce what you receive later.
The IRS says it never asks for your IP PIN by phone, email, or text. If you get a suspicious message, do not click links or open attachments. Use the IRS phishing page to report fake IRS, Treasury, or tax-related messages.
If your return is denied, delayed, or questioned
An IRS letter does not always mean you did something wrong. Sometimes the IRS needs proof, a corrected form, or identity verification. Read the full letter, note the deadline, and respond only through the official method listed on the letter.
If you cannot solve a serious IRS problem and it is causing financial hardship, the Taxpayer Advocate may be able to help in some cases. Keep in mind that they cannot change tax law or promise a result.
If a benefits office asks for tax information, or your income changed after filing, keep copies and update the right office. ASMOM’s benefits problem guide can help with benefit delays, but tax issues still need official tax help.
Phone scripts and message scripts
Calling a VITA site
“Hi, I am a single parent and I want to know if your site can prepare my federal and state return. I have children, possible EITC and Child Tax Credit questions, and child care expenses. What documents should I bring, and do I need an appointment?”
Calling about an IRS letter
“I received an IRS letter dated [date]. The notice number is [number]. I want to confirm what it asks for, the deadline, and the safest way to respond. I have the letter and my return in front of me.”
Calling a paid preparer
“Before I schedule, can you tell me your total fee range, whether you prepare state returns, whether you sign the return as the paid preparer, and whether I will receive a full copy before anything is filed?”
Messaging a child care provider
“Hi, I am gathering tax records. Can you send a 2025 statement showing what I paid for child care, your business name, address, and taxpayer identification number if you provide one?”
Resumen en español
Si es madre soltera, revise si debe presentar una declaración de impuestos aunque sus ingresos sean bajos. Puede calificar para créditos como EITC, Child Tax Credit, Additional Child Tax Credit o el crédito por cuidado de niños y dependientes.
Use ayuda oficial del IRS, IRS Free File o un sitio VITA si califica. No firme una declaración en blanco. No comparta su PIN del IRS con nadie, excepto con un preparador de confianza cuando esté lista para presentar la declaración.
FAQ
Can I get tax credits if I did not make much money?
Maybe. Some people should file even if their income is below the filing requirement because they may qualify for a refundable credit or get back federal tax withheld from pay.
Is the EITC only for parents?
No. The EITC can apply with or without qualifying children, but the rules and income limits are different. Parents with qualifying children may qualify for a larger credit.
Can both parents claim the same child?
Usually no. Only one person can claim the same child for the main family tax benefits. Special rules may apply when parents are divorced, separated, or live apart.
Will claiming EITC or ACTC delay my refund?
Yes, it can. The IRS cannot issue refunds that include EITC or ACTC before mid-February, and the hold applies to the whole refund.
Is IRS Free File really free?
IRS Free File guided software offers free federal filing for people who meet the program and partner rules. Some state returns may cost money, so check before you start.
What should I do if I get a tax scam text or email?
Do not reply, click links, or open attachments. Report the message through the IRS phishing instructions and delete the original message after reporting it.
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 20, 2026, next review August 20, 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.