Last updated: May 19, 2026
Bottom line
If you worked in 2025 and lived in Maryland for all or part of the year, you may be able to claim the federal Earned Income Tax Credit, the Maryland Earned Income Tax Credit, the federal Child Tax Credit, the Maryland Child Tax Credit, and child care tax credits when you file your 2025 tax return in 2026.
These are tax credits, not grants. A credit can lower the tax you owe. Some credits can also add to your refund. You usually must file a tax return to claim them, even if your income was low and you do not normally file.
This guide is general information, not tax advice. For your own return, use official tools or free tax help. Start with the IRS EITC tables, the Maryland EITC page, or a free filing site.
Urgent tax help in Maryland
The regular 2025 federal and Maryland filing deadline was April 15, 2026. If you missed it and you expect a refund, file as soon as you can so you do not lose access to credits. If you owe tax, file and ask about payment options because waiting can add penalties and interest.
- Need free filing help? Use IRS Free File, search VITA/TCE sites, or check CASH Campaign for Maryland help.
- Need your Maryland refund status? Use Maryland refund help.
- Got a Maryland denial or assessment? Read the Comptroller’s appeal instructions.
- Need food, rent, utility, or health help now? Call 211 or use 211 tax help. For benefits, use Maryland Benefits to check options.
Where to start
1. Check EITC first
EITC is often the biggest credit for working parents with low or moderate income. Check your number of children, filing status, earned income, adjusted gross income, and investment income.
2. Check child credits
Look at the federal Child Tax Credit, Additional Child Tax Credit, Credit for Other Dependents, and the Maryland Child Tax Credit if you have a young child or a child with a disability.
3. Check care costs
If you paid for child care so you could work, look for work, or attend school, ask about the federal and Maryland child and dependent care credits.
4. File safely
Use a trusted free filing option or a qualified preparer. Do not pay for a refund advance unless you understand the fees and risks.
For broader help by need, use the Maryland help hub or the national tax credit guide.
Quick reference table
| Credit or help | What it can help with | Where to start | Reality check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal EITC | Refundable credit for many workers with low or moderate income. | IRS EITC Assistant | Child support, unemployment, and Social Security do not count as earned income for EITC. |
| Maryland EITC | State credit that can lower Maryland tax or increase a refund. | Maryland EITC screener | Maryland residents with an ITIN may qualify for the Maryland EITC even if they cannot claim the federal EITC. |
| Federal Child Tax Credit | Credit for a qualifying child under age 17. | IRS child credit | The child must have a work-valid Social Security number issued by the return due date. |
| Maryland Child Tax Credit | State credit for certain very low-income families with a young child or a child with a disability. | Maryland child credit | The income limit is narrow, so many working families will not qualify. |
| Care credits | Credits for qualifying child care or dependent care costs tied to work, job search, or school. | IRS care credit | You need provider information. Some costs do not count. |
Federal and Maryland EITC
The Earned Income Tax Credit is for workers. For single mothers, it often matters because wages from a job, tips, self-employment income, and some disability benefits before retirement age may count as earned income. Child support, alimony, unemployment, Social Security, and interest income do not count as earned income for this credit.
For tax year 2025, the IRS says both earned income and adjusted gross income must be under the limits below. Your credit amount is not always the maximum. It rises and then phases down based on your income and filing status.
| Qualifying children | Income limit if single, head of household, married filing separately, or surviving spouse | Income limit if married filing jointly | Maximum federal EITC |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | $19,104 | $26,214 | $649 |
| 1 | $50,434 | $57,554 | $4,328 |
| 2 | $57,310 | $64,430 | $7,152 |
| 3 or more | $61,555 | $68,675 | $8,046 |
The 2025 EITC investment income limit is $11,950 or less. If you are near a limit, do not guess. Use the IRS tool or free tax help.
How Maryland EITC works
Maryland says its EITC can provide up to about $4,000 for eligible filers. Maryland’s tax guidance says the Maryland EITC is equal to 50% of the federal EITC when you qualify and claim the federal credit on your federal return. The exact state and local result depends on your return.
Maryland also has an important rule for some ITIN filers. The Comptroller says many residents who file with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number may qualify for the Maryland EITC. That does not mean they qualify for the federal EITC. Federal rules are different. If this applies to your family, use free tax help before filing.
Tip for parents sharing custody
Only one taxpayer can usually claim the same child for the same tax credit in the same year. The EITC child rules depend on relationship, age, residency, and other tests. If another parent, grandparent, or relative may claim the same child, get help before filing.
Child tax credits
The federal Child Tax Credit is for a qualifying child who was under age 17 at the end of 2025 and meets IRS rules. For 2025, the IRS says the credit is worth up to $2,200 per qualifying child. If the credit is more than your federal tax, the refundable Additional Child Tax Credit may be up to $1,700 per qualifying child, depending on your income. You generally need at least $2,500 in earned income for the refundable part.
If your dependent does not qualify for the Child Tax Credit, you may still be able to claim the Credit for Other Dependents. That credit is nonrefundable and can be up to $500 for each eligible dependent.
Maryland Child Tax Credit
Maryland has a separate state Child Tax Credit for certain residents. Under Maryland law, a resident taxpayer with federal adjusted gross income lower than $15,000 may claim $500 for each qualified child. A qualified child is generally a dependent who is under age 6, or is under age 17 and has a disability as defined by Maryland law.
This is a narrow credit. Many single mothers who work more hours may be over the income limit. Still, if your income was very low in 2025, do not skip it. Ask your preparer to check the Maryland Child Tax Credit and the needed Maryland form.
Child care and dependent care tax credits
If you paid someone to care for your child so you could work, look for work, or attend school, you may qualify for the federal Child and Dependent Care Credit. A qualifying person is usually your dependent child under age 13. A disabled spouse or dependent of any age may also qualify if they could not care for themselves and lived with you for more than half the year.
You must report the care provider’s name, address, and tax identification number on Form 2441. This can be an employer identification number or Social Security number. Ask your provider for this information before filing.
| Question | What to know |
|---|---|
| Which care costs may count? | Care that lets you work, look for work, or attend school. Day camp may count. Overnight camp does not. |
| Who cannot be paid provider? | Your spouse, your dependent, the child’s parent in some cases, or your child under age 19. |
| What federal form is used? | Federal Form 2441, attached to your federal tax return. |
| Does Maryland have its own help? | Yes. Maryland says it has both a child or dependent care subtraction and a child and dependent care tax credit. |
Maryland says the state child and dependent care credit starts at 32% of the federal credit allowed, then phases down for higher incomes. Maryland also says some lower-income filers may be able to claim a refund of excess credit if their federal adjusted gross income does not exceed the state’s limit for that rule. The Maryland credit is claimed on Form 502CR.
For ongoing child care costs, also check Maryland child care and the national child care hub. A tax credit helps after you file. A child care subsidy may help during the year if you qualify.
Free filing help
Free filing help matters because one wrong answer about custody, income, Social Security numbers, or care providers can delay a refund or cause a notice later.
- IRS Free File: The IRS says guided Free File is available for taxpayers with adjusted gross income of $89,000 or below. Some partner tools include a free state return. Check the offer before you begin.
- VITA and TCE: IRS-certified volunteers prepare returns at many sites. Sites may close or fill up, especially after the main filing deadline.
- CASH Campaign: This Maryland nonprofit helps many eligible Maryland residents with free tax preparation or self-filing resources. Appointment status can change.
- Maryland iFile: Maryland offers its own online filing system for many state returns through Maryland iFile online. Complete the federal return first because Maryland uses federal figures.
- Maryland forms: If you need paper forms or instructions, use the official Maryland tax forms page before mailing.
Watch out for refund advances
Some paid tax stores offer fast money before the IRS or Maryland sends a refund. Read every fee and loan term first. A refund advance is not the same as getting your refund faster from the government.
Documents checklist
Gather papers before you start. Missing forms are a common reason returns get changed or delayed.
| Bring or gather | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Photo ID | Free tax sites usually need to confirm your identity. |
| Social Security cards or ITIN letters | Names and numbers must match the return. |
| W-2, 1099, gig, and self-employment records | EITC depends on earned income and adjusted gross income. |
| Child care provider details | Form 2441 needs provider name, address, and tax ID. |
| School, medical, or custody records | These may help if the IRS or Maryland questions who lived with you. |
| Bank routing and account numbers | Direct deposit is usually safer and faster than a mailed check. |
| IRS or Maryland letters | Bring every notice, even if it is confusing. |
| Last year’s tax return | A preparer can compare dependents, income, and carryover items. |
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using the wrong filing status. Many single mothers file as head of household, but only if they meet the rules. Do not use it just because you are unmarried.
- Claiming the same child twice. If another adult claims your child, your refund may freeze while the IRS reviews both returns.
- Forgetting Maryland credits. Federal software may not always make every Maryland credit clear. Review the Maryland return before you submit.
- Leaving out gig income. App work, cleaning jobs, babysitting, and other self-employment income may affect EITC and taxes owed.
- Guessing child care details. Ask the provider for a completed receipt or Form W-10 information before you file.
- Ignoring letters. A notice is not always a denial. It may ask for proof or a missing item.
If your refund is delayed, reduced, or denied
First, check the exact notice. It should say whether the issue is from the IRS or the Maryland Comptroller. Federal and state problems are handled separately.
For a Maryland refund, use the refund status tool or automated phone line listed by the Comptroller. Have your return nearby because you may need your Social Security number and exact refund amount.
If Maryland denies a refund or sends an assessment you disagree with, the Comptroller says you have the right to file an appeal. Follow the deadline and instructions in the notice. Keep a copy of everything you send.
If you tried normal channels and still cannot fix a Maryland tax problem, the Comptroller has an Office of Advocate. For IRS disputes, a low-income taxpayer clinic may help if you qualify. Start with the IRS LITC map or the University of Maryland taxpayer clinic.
Phone scripts
Calling a free tax site
“Hi, I am a Maryland parent and I need help filing my 2025 federal and Maryland tax returns. I want to check EITC, the Child Tax Credit, Maryland EITC, and child care credits. Are you taking appointments, and what documents should I bring?”
Calling the Maryland Comptroller
“Hi, I filed my Maryland return and I need help understanding my refund or credit. I have my return and notice with me. Can you tell me what step is needed next?”
Calling about a tax notice
“Hi, I received a notice about my tax return. I do not want to miss a deadline. Can you explain what the notice is asking for and where I should send proof?”
Calling 211 for backup help
“Hi, I am waiting on a tax refund and I need help with food, rent, utilities, or child care right now. Can you search for programs in my ZIP code?”
Backup help while you wait
A tax refund can help, but it is not a safe plan for urgent bills. If you need help now, check programs that may help during the year.
You can also use community support, child support, and education grants guides for other Maryland help paths.
Resumen en español
Si trabajaste en 2025 y viviste en Maryland, tal vez puedas reclamar el EITC federal, el EITC de Maryland, el Crédito Tributario por Hijos y créditos por cuidado infantil. Debes presentar una declaración de impuestos para reclamar muchos de estos créditos, aunque tus ingresos hayan sido bajos.
Usa ayuda gratis de impuestos si puedes. Lleva tus formularios W-2 o 1099, documentos de tus hijos, número de Seguro Social o ITIN, datos del proveedor de cuidado infantil y cualquier carta del IRS o de Maryland. Si recibes una carta, no la ignores. Pide ayuda antes de que venza la fecha de respuesta.
FAQ
Can I get EITC if I am a single mother in Maryland?
Maybe. You must have earned income and meet federal or Maryland rules. Your income, filing status, number of qualifying children, Social Security number or ITIN situation, and investment income all matter.
Do I have to file taxes to get these credits?
Yes, in most cases. Tax credits are claimed on a tax return. Even if your income was low, filing may be the only way to receive a refundable credit.
Can Maryland ITIN filers claim EITC?
Maryland says some residents who file with an ITIN may qualify for the Maryland EITC, even if they cannot claim the federal EITC. Federal rules are different, so use free tax help if this applies to you.
Can I claim child care costs?
You may qualify if you paid for care so you could work, look for work, or attend school, and the person cared for meets the rules. You must provide care provider information on your tax return.
What if another parent claimed my child?
Your return may be delayed or rejected. Do not file a second claim without checking the IRS rules or getting tax help. Bring custody, school, medical, or housing records if a tax office asks for proof.
What should I do if my Maryland refund is denied?
Read the notice first. Maryland says you can appeal some refund denials or assessments. Follow the deadline and instructions in the notice and keep copies of anything you submit.
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.