Last updated: June 19, 2026
Bottom line
Alaska does not have a state income tax, so it does not have a state Earned Income Tax Credit or a state Child Tax Credit. For most Alaska single mothers, single parents, caregivers, and low-income families, the main tax help comes from federal tax credits, free federal filing options, and correct reporting of the Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend.
The federal credits to check first are the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, Additional Child Tax Credit, Child and Dependent Care Credit, education credits, Saver’s Credit, and Premium Tax Credit. You usually must file a federal tax return to claim refundable credits, even if your income was low.
This guide is general information only, not tax advice. A free tax site or licensed tax preparer can review your return.
If you need tax help now
If you missed the April 15, 2026 federal deadline for a 2025 return, file as soon as you can. The IRS filing page says April 15, 2026 was the deadline to file and pay for most calendar-year taxpayers. An extension gives more time to file, not more time to pay.
If you are due a refund, filing late may not create a late-filing penalty, but it can delay money you may need. If you may owe tax, waiting can add penalties and interest. Use IRS Free File if you can file online, or search for free tax prep if you want in-person help.
If you received an IRS letter, do not ignore it. Read the letter number, the tax year, what the IRS is asking for, and the response date. If you face an audit, denied credit, identity check, refund offset, or tax debt, ask for help.
Where to start
Use this order to file, fix a return, or check credits.
1. Pick a filing path
Use free software if your return is simple and you are comfortable entering forms. Use VITA, TCE, AARP Tax-Aide, ABDC, or a trusted preparer if you have a PFD, self-employment, child care costs, school forms, or an IRS notice.
2. Check child rules
Credits involving children often depend on where the child lived, age, relationship, Social Security numbers, support, filing status, and whether another person can claim the child.
3. Check Alaska items
Report Alaska PFD income when required. The 2026 PFD filing season is over, so check status or prepare for the next filing period.
Keep ASMOM’s Alaska help guide nearby if you also need food, housing, child care, cash aid, health coverage, or local support while you work through taxes.
Quick reference: tax help in Alaska
| Topic | What it may help with | Where to start | Reality check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal EITC | Refundable credit for many workers with low or moderate income | Use the EITC Assistant | You need earned income and must meet IRS rules |
| Child Tax Credit | Credit for qualifying children under age 17 | Check the Child Tax Credit | SSN and income rules matter |
| Child care credit | May help with care costs paid so you could work or look for work | Review Form 2441 | This credit is usually not refundable |
| Alaska PFD | Annual state dividend for eligible Alaska residents | Check myPFD status | The PFD is generally taxable federally |
| Free tax filing | No-cost online filing or volunteer help | Use Free File offers | Some returns are out of scope |
Alaska tax basics for single mothers
Alaska does not have an individual state income tax. It also does not have a statewide sales tax, though some local governments charge local sales tax. That means there is no Alaska state EITC, no Alaska state Child Tax Credit, and usually no Alaska state income tax return for wages.
That does not mean taxes do not matter. You may still need to file a federal return if you had wages, self-employment income, unemployment, Marketplace health insurance, school tax forms, child care expenses, an Alaska PFD, or federal credits to claim. Most credits in this guide are claimed on the federal return.
For a wider credit overview, see ASMOM’s tax credit guide. For Alaska tax background, the Alaska tax summary confirms that Alaska has no individual income tax, and the state’s sales tax page explains that local sales taxes vary by municipality.
Tip
Do not skip filing because your income was low. Some credits are refundable, which means they may increase your refund when you qualify. Filing also creates a record that may help with school, housing, child care, or benefit paperwork.
Free filing help in Alaska
IRS Free File guided software is available for 2025 federal returns filed in 2026 if your adjusted gross income was within the IRS Free File limit. Each provider has its own rules, so read the offer before you start.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly sites prepare many basic returns for free. The IRS says VITA generally helps people with low to moderate income, people with disabilities, and people with limited English. TCE focuses on people age 60 or older, but some TCE sites also help other taxpayers when volunteers are available.
Alaska’s size and rural travel can make tax help harder to reach. The Alaska Business Development Center offers ABDC tax help for qualifying taxpayers, with a focus on rural Alaska. You can also check AARP Tax-Aide or call Alaska 2-1-1 for help finding local tax and emergency resources.
Before you pay
Ask whether a free site can handle your return before paying a preparer. If you have business losses, rental income, cryptocurrency, missing records, or old tax debt, ask if your return is in scope before you travel.
Earned Income Tax Credit
The Earned Income Tax Credit is a federal refundable tax credit for many workers with low or moderate income. It can reduce tax owed and may increase a refund. Wages, tips, some disability benefits before retirement age, and self-employment income may count as earned income. Unemployment usually does not count as earned income for EITC.
For tax year 2025, the credit depends on earned income, adjusted gross income, filing status, investment income, and the number of qualifying children. The IRS EITC page explains the basic rules. The current EITC tables list these 2025 limits.
| Qualifying children | 2025 max EITC | Single or head of household income below | Married filing jointly income below |
|---|---|---|---|
| No qualifying child | $649 | $19,104 | $26,214 |
| 1 qualifying child | $4,328 | $50,434 | $57,554 |
| 2 qualifying children | $7,152 | $57,310 | $64,430 |
| 3 or more children | $8,046 | $61,555 | $68,675 |
For 2025, investment income must be $11,950 or less. If you claim EITC or the Additional Child Tax Credit, the IRS cannot issue that refund before mid-February. The IRS refund timing page says to use Where’s My Refund for your personal refund date.
Common EITC mistakes
- Claiming a child who did not live with you long enough under IRS rules.
- Using the wrong filing status after separation or divorce.
- Leaving out self-employment income or expenses.
- Ignoring an IRS letter about a duplicate dependent claim.
- Filing with a Social Security number problem before asking for help.
Child Tax Credit and ACTC
For 2025 federal returns, the Child Tax Credit is worth up to $2,200 for each qualifying child. If your tax is low, the Additional Child Tax Credit may be refundable up to $1,700 per qualifying child, depending on your income. The IRS says you must have earned income of at least $2,500 to be eligible for the ACTC.
Use Schedule 8812 to figure the Child Tax Credit, Additional Child Tax Credit, and Credit for Other Dependents. The child must meet IRS rules. For the Child Tax Credit and ACTC, Social Security number rules are very important.
Custody and tax rules can be confusing. IRS rules are not always the same as a family court order or child support agreement. If another parent may claim the same child, ask a free tax site, LITC, or licensed preparer before filing. If child support paperwork is part of the problem, ASMOM’s child support help page may help you find the right Alaska office.
Duplicate child claims
If two people claim the same child, the IRS may delay the refund while it checks who can claim the child. Keep school, medical, child care, lease, shelter, or benefits records that show where the child lived.
Child and Dependent Care Credit
The Child and Dependent Care Credit may help if you paid someone to care for a child or other qualifying person so you could work or look for work. It can apply to daycare, preschool, before-school care, after-school care, or day camp. Overnight camp does not count.
For 2025 returns, Form 2441 is used for this credit. IRS instructions say the care must be for a qualifying person and must allow you, and your spouse if filing jointly, to work or look for work. You usually need the care provider’s name, address, and tax identification number.
This credit is not the same as Alaska child care subsidy help. Alaska’s Child Care Assistance Program may help eligible families pay for care through approved providers. Start with the state child care program, and use ASMOM’s child care help page for a reader-friendly Alaska overview.
Other federal credits to check
Not every credit gives a refund, but each one can matter. Free tax software or a certified volunteer can screen for credits.
| Credit | Who should check it | Where to start | Reality check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education credits | Parents or students who paid college or training costs | education credits | You need school records, often Form 1098-T |
| Premium Tax Credit | Families who used Marketplace health insurance | Premium Tax Credit | Use Form 1095-A and Form 8962 |
| Saver’s Credit | Workers who saved in an IRA, work plan, or ABLE account | Saver’s Credit | Income and dependency rules apply |
| Credit for Other Dependents | Families with dependents who do not qualify for CTC | Schedule 8812 | This credit is not refundable |
If you used Marketplace health insurance, wait for Form 1095-A before filing. The IRS Form 8962 page explains that Form 8962 is used to claim or reconcile the Premium Tax Credit. For college costs, compare tax credits with grants and scholarships through ASMOM’s education grants page.
Alaska PFD and federal taxes
The Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend is not a tax credit. It is a state dividend program for eligible Alaska residents. The state’s PFD filing period is January 1 through March 31 each year. Each adult and child needs a separate application.
As of June 19, 2026, the 2026 PFD filing season is over. If you applied, use myPFD to check status and watch for document requests. If you missed March 31, prepare for the next filing season and ask the PFD Division whether any exception applies.
The state’s PFD tax page lists the 2025 PFD as $1,000 and says adult dividends are taxable federally. A child’s dividend may also be taxable. Ask a tax preparer how to report a child’s PFD if you are not sure.
Do not plan around PFD money
PFD amounts and payment dates can change by year. Do not count a future PFD as available money until the state confirms your eligibility and payment status.
Documents checklist
Bring more than you think you need. Missing papers can stop a free tax site from finishing your return. ASMOM’s documents checklist can also help if you are applying for benefits.
| Bring this | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Photo ID for adults | Free tax sites must verify identity |
| SSN or ITIN letters | Credits depend on taxpayer and child numbers |
| W-2s and 1099s | Income must be reported correctly |
| Self-employment records | Needed for income, expenses, and EITC |
| Child care receipts | Needed for Form 2441 |
| Care provider details | Name, address, and tax ID may be needed |
| School Form 1098-T | Needed to check education credits |
| Marketplace Form 1095-A | Needed for Form 8962 |
| PFD records or 1099-MISC | Needed to report Alaska PFD income |
| IRS letters | Needed before fixing a notice |
| Bank account details | Direct deposit is usually faster |
If your refund is delayed, denied, or reduced
First, use the IRS refund tracker. The IRS says you can check 24 hours after e-filing or four weeks after mailing a paper return.
If a credit was denied in a prior year, you may need Form 8862 before claiming it again. The IRS Form 8862 instructions explain when it is required. Do not file the same claim again without fixing the issue that caused the denial.
If you have a serious IRS problem you cannot solve, the Taxpayer Advocate may help in some cases. If your issue involves an audit, appeal, collection, tax court, or a notice you do not understand, use the IRS LITC map to look for low-income taxpayer help.
If a benefits office asks for tax records and you are stuck because the IRS is delayed, ASMOM’s denied benefits guide can help you organize next steps and appeal deadlines.
Watch out for refund loans
A refund advance, refund transfer, or tax loan may cost money or reduce your refund. Ask for the total fee in writing before signing. Free filing may be safer if your return is simple.
Other Alaska help if taxes are not enough
Tax credits can help, but they are not fast emergency aid. If you need food, rent, shelter, child care, or health coverage now, also check benefit programs and local services.
- For groceries, start with SNAP in Alaska.
- For cash help, review TANF in Alaska.
- For pregnancy, babies, and young children, check WIC in Alaska.
- For rent or shelter problems, use housing help and emergency help.
- For medical coverage, compare health care help.
- For legal or custody issues, start with legal help.
- For local nonprofits, use local support.
Alaska 2-1-1 can also help you look for food, rent, utility, health, tax, and nonprofit resources.
Short scripts you can use
Calling a free tax site
Hello, I am a single parent in Alaska. I need help filing my 2025 federal return. I may qualify for EITC and Child Tax Credit, and I have PFD income. Can your site handle this return? What documents should I bring?
Calling about an IRS letter
Hello, I received an IRS letter about my refund or tax credit. The letter number is ____ and the deadline says ____. Can you help me understand what documents I need before I respond?
Calling Alaska 2-1-1
Hello, I need free or low-cost tax help near me. I am also waiting on a refund and need help with food, rent, utilities, or child care. Can you search resources for my community?
Calling about PFD status
Hello, I applied for the 2026 PFD and need to check my status. My question is about _____. Can you tell me what documents are missing or what step I should take next?
Resumen en español
Alaska no tiene impuesto estatal sobre ingresos. Por eso, no hay EITC estatal ni Child Tax Credit estatal en Alaska. Muchas familias deben revisar los créditos federales, como EITC, Child Tax Credit, Additional Child Tax Credit, crédito por cuidado de niños, créditos de educación y Premium Tax Credit.
Presente una declaración federal si puede recibir un reembolso, aunque sus ingresos sean bajos. Si recibió una carta del IRS, no la ignore. Busque ayuda gratis con VITA, TCE, AARP Tax-Aide, Alaska 2-1-1, ABDC, una clÃnica de contribuyentes de bajos ingresos o un preparador de impuestos confiable.
FAQ
Does Alaska have a state EITC?
No. Alaska does not have a state income tax, so it does not have a state Earned Income Tax Credit. Alaska families should check federal credits instead.
Does Alaska have a state Child Tax Credit?
No. Alaska does not have a state Child Tax Credit. The federal Child Tax Credit and Additional Child Tax Credit are claimed on a federal tax return when you qualify.
Can I get EITC if I only received unemployment?
Usually no. EITC requires earned income, such as wages or self-employment income. Unemployment income generally does not count as earned income for EITC.
Is the Alaska PFD a tax credit?
No. The Permanent Fund Dividend is a state dividend program, not a tax credit. It is generally taxable on a federal return, and a child’s PFD may also be taxable.
Can I still file late and get a refund?
You may still be able to file late and claim a refund if you are within the IRS refund claim period. File as soon as you can and ask for help if you received an IRS notice.
What if another parent claims my child?
Do not guess. Child tax rules depend on facts such as where the child lived, filing status, support, and any release forms. Ask for tax help before filing if there may be a duplicate claim.
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 June 19, 2026, next review September 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.