Missouri EITC and Tax Credits for Single Mothers (2025): The No‑Fluff Guide

Last updated: September 2025

This is your fast, practical hub for getting every dollar you qualify for on your 2025 return (filed in 2026). All amounts and rules below come from official federal and Missouri sources and were verified for the 2025 tax year. Where something might change, I flag it and link you to the source to double‑check.

IRS 2025 EITC and standard deduction figures (official IRS bulletin) • Missouri Working Family Tax Credit (state EITC) rules • Missouri revised statute (529 rules) • IRS PATH Act refund timing for EITC/ACTC • Back‑to‑School Sales Tax Holiday 2025 dates and caps

Quick Help (read this first)

• File your federal return and claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) if you qualify. The maximum 2025 EITC is $8,046\ast \ast with3+kids,\ast \ast$7,152 with 2, $4,328\ast \ast with1,and\ast \ast$649 with none. Use the free IRS EITC Assistant if you’re unsure. IRS official 2025 amounts and tool. • Who qualifies
• After you claim the federal EITC, claim Missouri’s Working Family Tax Credit (WFTC). It’s 20% of your federal EITC for 2024 and continuing in 2025, but it’s nonrefundable (it only reduces Missouri tax you owe). Attach Form MO‑WFTC to your MO‑1040 and include a copy of your federal return. MO DOR WFTC rules and form. • MO‑WFTC 2024 form download.
• Child Tax Credit (CTC) for 2025 is up to $2,000perchildunder17\ast \ast ,withupto\ast \ast$1,700 refundable per child if your tax is low (the Additional CTC). Each child must have a valid SSN issued by the return due date. IRS 2025 refundability and rules. • CTC SSN requirement FAQ.
• Need free tax help? Call 211 in Missouri or the IRS VITA hotline 800‑906‑9887 to book free tax prep. St. Louis: Gateway EITC Coalition 314‑539‑4062 and St. Louis Tax Assistance Program (TAP). KC Metro: United Way/UM Extension via 211 or 816‑474‑5112. IRS VITA overview. • Gateway EITC • KC Metro info
• Expect your EITC/ACTC refund no earlier than the first week of March due to federal law. Check “Where’s My Refund?” daily. IRS refund timing for EITC/ACTC.
• Missouri standard deduction equals the federal amount. For 2025 it’s $22,500\ast \ast (HeadofHousehold),\ast \ast$15,000 (Single/MFS), $30,000 (MFJ). IRS 2025 amounts • MO DOR: MO standard deduction mirrors federal
• File by April 15, 2026 or request an extension to October 15, 2026. Use Free File on IRS.gov if your AGI is $84,000 or less for 2024 filing season; Free File partners for 2025 are listed by IRS. IRS Free File details.

Quick Reference Cheat Sheet (Missouri + Federal)

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Start Here: Claim the federal EITC (then Missouri’s WFTC)

Most single moms qualify for the biggest refund boost from the federal Earned Income Tax Credit. The state credit piggybacks on it.

• 2025 federal EITC maximums: $8,046\ast \ast (3+kids),\ast \ast$7,152 (2), $4,328\ast \ast (1),\ast \ast$649 (no kids). Income phase‑outs apply. Official IRS amounts.
• Basic rules (quick scan): you must have earned income, investment income under $11,950 (2025), valid SSNs for you and kids by the return due date, and use an eligible filing status. Who qualifies, 2025 figures.
• Heads‑up on timing: by law, the IRS holds refunds that include EITC/Additional CTC until mid‑February; most early filers see deposits first week of March if no issues. Track it in “Where’s My Refund?” daily. IRS timing page.

2025 EITC amounts and limits (at a glance)

Table below shows the main 2025 numbers. “All other filers” includes Single, Head of Household, and Qualifying Surviving Spouse.

Source: IRS Inflation Adjustments for TY2025 (IRB 2024‑45).

Step‑by‑step: how to claim EITC

• File Form 1040 and complete Schedule EIC for each qualifying child. If you’re unsure, use the IRS EITC Assistant (English/Spanish). Who qualifies + tool.
• Keep proof your child lived with you over half the year (school record, medical record, lease listing the child, etc.). IRS may ask. IRS EITC basics.
• Free help: call 800‑906‑9887 for the nearest VITA site, or dial 211. St. Louis: Gateway EITC 314‑539‑4062; KC Metro: 816‑474‑5112 (United Way/UM Extension). IRS Topic 101 (VITA/TCE), Gateway EITC, MU Extension KC
• Timelines: e‑file + direct deposit = most refunds in ~21 days, but EITC/ACTC refunds legally cannot be released until mid‑February; most early EITC filers see deposits by the first week of March if no issues. IRS timing.

Missouri’s Working Family Tax Credit (WFTC): don’t miss it

• What it is: a Missouri credit equal to 20% of your federal EITC for 2024 and onward, nonrefundable (can reduce your MO tax to $0, but no cash back). MO DOR FAQ • Statute caps at 20%
• Who qualifies: you must qualify for the federal EITC, file MO‑1040, attach MO‑WFTC and a copy of your federal return. Filing status can be Single, Head of Household, Qualifying Widow(er), or Married Filing Combined; investment income must be under Missouri’s limit. MO DOR FAQ + form link • MO‑WFTC 2024 form
• Why it matters: even though it’s nonrefundable, it can wipe out your state tax bill, keeping cash in your pocket (and you may still get a state refund from withholding or other refundable items).

Example (real‑world numbers)

• You file Head of Household with two kids, earn $24,000\ast \ast in2025.YourfederalEITCisclosetothemaxandthenstartstophaseout;aroughestimateputsitaround\ast \ast$7,000 (software or VITA will compute exactly). Missouri WFTC at 20% would be about $1,400\ast \ast —butbecauseit’snonrefundable,itonlyoffsetstheMissouriincometaxyouowe.IfyourMissouritaxafterthestandarddeduction(\ast \ast$22,500) is only $50\ast \ast ,you’lluse\ast \ast$50 of that WFTC; the rest doesn’t pay out. IRS IRB 2024‑45 for EITC math • MO WFTC nonrefundable

Reality check: the federal EITC is the big check for most single moms. Missouri’s WFTC is still worth claiming because it can zero out state tax due.

What to do if this doesn’t work

• If the IRS holds or adjusts your EITC and you can’t reach a resolution, contact the Taxpayer Advocate Service at 877‑777‑4778 or submit Form 911. TAS contact • TAS EITC help
• For Missouri questions or notices: call 573‑751‑3505 (refund/no balance due) or 573‑751‑7200 (balance due), or schedule a call online. MO DOR Individual Income Tax contacts.

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Child Tax Credit (CTC) and Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC), 2025

• Amount: up to $2,000\ast \ast perchildunder17atyear‑end.Upto\ast \ast$1,700 per child may be refundable in 2025 if your tax is low (this is the ACTC). IRS IRB 2024‑45 (ACTC amount for 2025)
• SSN rule: each child must have a valid SSN issued by the return due date; children with ITINs do not qualify for the CTC/ACTC (you may qualify for the $500 Credit for Other Dependents instead). IRS CTC FAQ (SSN requirement)
• Income phase‑outs: the standard thresholds remain $200,000\ast \ast (Single/HOH)and\ast \ast$400,000 (MFJ). Over the threshold, the credit drops by $50\ast \ast per\ast \ast$1,000 of income. (Unchanged structure; see Schedule 8812 instructions.) IRS Schedule 8812 instructions

CTC fast table (2025)

Sources: IRS IRB 2024‑45 • IRS CTC FAQ

What to do if this doesn’t work

• If your child’s SSN is delayed, file an extension (Form 4868) by April 15, 2026 so you can claim the CTC once the SSN arrives. Otherwise, you may need to amend later. IRS dependent SSN guidance
• If your child lacks an SSN by the due date, you might qualify for the $500 Credit for Other Dependents instead. Schedule 8812 instructions

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Child and Dependent Care Credit (daycare/after‑school)

If you paid for childcare so you could work or look for work, this federal credit helps.

• Maximum expenses: $3,000\ast \ast foronechild,\ast \ast$6,000 for two or more; credit is 20%–35% of expenses based on your AGI. Not refundable. IRS Pub. 503
• Typical for many families: if your AGI is over $43,000\ast \ast ,yourrateis\ast \ast 20$6,000 in eligible expenses → $1,200 credit.
• Qualifying care includes day camps and before/after‑school programs (not overnight camps or tutoring). You’ll need the provider’s name, address, and TIN. IRS Pub. 503

Care Credit quick table

Source: IRS Publication 503

Plan B if this doesn’t work

• If your expenses were covered by Missouri’s Child Care Subsidy or employer pre‑tax FSA, your available credit may be reduced, but you may still get partial credit. Check Form 2441. IRS Pub. 503
• If you can’t afford filing help, use VITA: 800‑906‑9887 or 211. IRS Topic 101

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Education credits (if you paid college/tech school costs)

• American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC): up to $2,500\ast \ast pereligiblestudent(40$1,000). First 4 years of post‑secondary education; at least half‑time. IRS AOTC
• Lifetime Learning Credit (LLC): up to $2,000\ast \ast pertaxreturn(20$10,000 in expenses), nonrefundable; includes skills courses and grad programs. IRS LLC, Pub. 970

What to do if this doesn’t work

• If you don’t get a Form 1098‑T, you can still qualify; bring school billing statements and proof of payment to VITA. IRS Pub. 970
• If the credit is denied and you disagree, call TAS 877‑777‑4778 for help if you meet hardship criteria. TAS contact

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Saver’s Credit (if you put money into retirement)

If you contributed to an IRA or a workplace plan, you might get a bonus credit.

• Credit is up to $1,000\ast \ast forSingle/HOH(upto\ast \ast$2,000 for MFJ). Income limits for 2025: up to $59,250 (HOH). Claim on Form 8880. IRS Pub. 571 (01/2025)

What to do if this doesn’t work

• Missed the IRA deadline? You can still make prior‑year IRA contributions up to the April deadline for that prior year. See current IRS notices for dates. IRS news on Free File/filing season

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Missouri‑specific money savers you can actually use

1) Missouri 529 plan subtraction (MOST 529)

• You can subtract up to $8,000\ast \ast pertaxpayer(\ast \ast$16,000 MFJ) in qualified 529 contributions from your Missouri income. Applies to MOST or any state’s qualified 529 (Missouri allows “tax parity”). Claimed on MO‑A. RSMo 166.435 (official statute)
• Great for K‑12 tuition, apprenticeships, or college. You need proof of contribution (statement or canceled check).

What to do if this doesn’t work: If you withdrew funds for non‑qualified expenses, the earnings portion may be taxable and penalized; ask VITA to review. Statute rules

2) Missouri Property Tax Credit (“Circuit Breaker”)—for elderly/disabled only

• Max credit: $1,100\ast \ast (homeowners)or\ast \ast$750 (renters). Income limits apply; you must be 65+ or 100% disabled (or a disabled veteran); not a general credit for all single moms. Claim using MO‑PTS/MO‑PTC. MO DOR overview

What to do if this doesn’t work: Call 573‑751‑3505 for questions or use the current year MO‑PTC claim chart to see if you qualify. MO‑PTC forms page (shows current‑year chart/forms)

3) Missouri Back‑to‑School Sales Tax Holiday (real savings without paperwork)

• 2025 dates: Aug 1–3 (Friday 12:01 a.m. through Sunday). Caps: clothing items $100\ast \ast each;schoolsupplies\ast \ast$50 per purchase; software $350\ast \ast ;computers/peripherals\ast \ast$1,500; graphing calculators $150. Applies to state and all local taxes. DOR consumer page

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Filing status and standard deduction: get this right

• If you are unmarried and support kids, you’ll likely file as Head of Household. That gives a bigger federal (and Missouri) standard deduction and better brackets than Single. For 2025: $22,500\ast \ast (HOH),\ast \ast$15,000 (Single/MFS), $30,000 (MFJ). Missouri’s standard deduction equals the federal amount. IRS IRB 2024‑45 • MO DOR: MO standard deduction mirrors federal
• One‑time note: Missouri reinstated a $1,400 deduction for HOH or Qualifying Widow(er) for 2024 filings (and retroACTIVE to 2018‑2021). That specific deduction was on the 2024 return line 15; watch MO DOR for any updates to 2025. MO DOR HOH/QW FAQ

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Documents to gather (Application Checklist)

• Photo ID for you (and spouse if MFJ).
• Social Security cards for you and each child; birth certificates or school/medical records showing your child lived with you over half the year.
• Income: W‑2s, 1099‑NEC/1099‑K if you did gig work, unemployment 1099‑G (if any).
• Childcare costs: provider name, address, EIN/SSN, and receipts.
• Education: Form 1098‑T; receipts for tuition/books/fees.
• Dependent care FSA and 529 contribution statements.
• Missouri items: MO‑W2, rent receipts or real estate tax bills (if elderly/disabled applying for MO‑PTC), and 529 contribution proof for the MO subtraction.
• Bank info for direct deposit (routing + account number).

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Common mistakes to avoid

• Missing or incorrect SSNs for you or your child. For EITC/CTC, valid SSNs must be issued by the return due date (April 15, 2026 unless extended). EITC/CTC TIN rules
• Claiming a child who didn’t live with you more than half the year. Keep school/medical records to prove residency. EITC basics
• Filing Married Filing Separately without using the special separated‑spouse rules (you may still qualify for EITC if separated and your child lived with you). Who qualifies (filing status rules)
• Forgetting to attach your federal return copy to your Missouri return when claiming MO‑WFTC (the state will deny the credit if it’s not attached). MO DOR WFTC
• Paying for “rapid refund” loans or add‑on fees when you qualify for free VITA prep or Free File.
• Filing too early with missing documents; amended returns slow refunds. Use “Where’s My Refund?” instead of calling. IRS refund guide

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Realistic timelines you can expect

• E‑file + direct deposit: most refunds in about 21 days; paper returns can take 6–9 weeks.
• EITC/ACTC refunds: the IRS cannot release any part of the refund until mid‑February; most early filers see money first week of March if no issues. IRS EITC timing
• State processing varies. If Missouri asks for more information, respond quickly using the contact info on the notice or call 573‑751‑3505 (refund/no balance) or 573‑751‑7200 (balance due). MO DOR contact page

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Tables you can skim fast

Table: Missouri WFTC at a glance

Sources: MO DOR WFTC FAQ • Statute cap at 20% • MO‑WFTC forms page

Table: 2025 federal standard deductions (Missouri uses same)

Source: IRS IRB 2024‑45 (Standard Deduction for 2025) • MO DOR confirms MO = federal

Table: Child & Dependent Care Credit parameters

Source: IRS Publication 503

Table: CTC (2025) quick facts

Sources: IRS IRB 2024‑45 • IRS CTC FAQ

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Free filing and free help in Missouri

• VITA/TCE free tax prep: call 800‑906‑9887 or dial 211 for local bookings. IRS Topic 101
• St. Louis region: Gateway EITC Community Coalition 314‑539‑4062 • St. Louis TAP (Tax Assistance Program). Gateway EITC • St. Louis TAP
• Kansas City metro: book via 211 or 816‑474‑5112 (United Way/UM Extension). MU Extension KC
• IRS Free File (online guided software): available to millions on IRS.gov. Start here, pick a partner, and file for free. IRS Free File 2025 details

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Local organizations, churches, and support groups (tax help focus)

• Gateway EITC Community Coalition (St. Louis): free tax prep for households up to $67,000; multiple sites; call 314‑539‑4062. What they do + contact • Contact page
• St. Louis Tax Assistance Program (TAP): free VITA prep, including help with Missouri Property Tax Credit for seniors/disabled. TAP site
• United Way 2‑1‑1 (statewide): dial 211 to book free tax help and get referrals. United Way MyFreeTaxes
• MU Extension/KC Metro Tax Coalition: call 816‑474‑5112 or 211 to schedule. KC coalition info

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Diverse Communities: specific tips and resources

• LGBTQ+ single mothers: filing status and dependent rules are the same; if sharing custody, coordinate who claims each child to avoid IRS tie‑breaker conflicts. VITA volunteers can help apply the residency and support rules correctly. IRS Dependent rules
• Single mothers with disabilities or with disabled children: check for the federal EITC disability rules, possible disabled‑adult dependent status, and the MO Property Tax Credit if you’re disabled (or caring for an elderly parent under the Shared Care Tax Credit—nonrefundable, up to $500). Shared Care info: register via MO Department of Health; contact 573‑751‑3220 for forms (MO‑SCC, MO‑TC). MO Shared Care credit • MO PTC overview
• Veteran single mothers: military pay/pensions have special Missouri deductions; see MO DOR Military information page and bring LES documents. MO military deduction
• Immigrant/refugee single moms: EITC requires valid SSNs (ITINs are not eligible), but your child may still qualify you for the $500 Credit for Other Dependents. Use VITA sites with language support; IRS offers many resources in Spanish and other languages. Who qualifies for EITC • CTC SSN rule
• Tribal citizens: taxable income and benefits are similar to other filers unless specific treaty or program exclusions apply; VITA sites can assist with documentation.
• Rural moms with limited access: use IRS Free File if you have a smartphone; you can upload pictures of W‑2s in many partner tools. If bandwidth is an issue, call 800‑906‑9887 to find the closest VITA day in your county. IRS Free File info
• Single fathers: the same EITC/CTC rules apply; focus on residency and support tests and avoid duplicate claims with the other parent.
• Language access: IRS provides bilingual resources; many Missouri VITA sites offer interpreter lines. Ask when booking through 211 or 800‑906‑9887.

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10 Missouri‑specific FAQs

1. Do I have to file a Missouri return to get the WFTC?

• Yes. File MO‑1040, attach MO‑WFTC, and include a copy of your federal return. MO DOR WFTC

2. What if I forgot to attach my federal return to my Missouri return?

• The MO WFTC can be disallowed. Respond to any DOR notice with a copy of your federal return or call 573‑751‑3505 for instructions. MO DOR contact

3. I share custody. Who can claim EITC in Missouri?

• EITC is federal; the person whose qualifying child lived with them more than half the year can claim the EITC for that child. Only one person can claim the same child. EITC residency rule

4. Can I get Missouri’s WFTC if I didn’t get the federal EITC?

• No. You must be allowed the federal EITC for the same year. MO DOR WFTC FAQ

5. Is Missouri’s WFTC refundable?

• No. It’s nonrefundable. It reduces Missouri tax owed to $0, but does not create a cash refund. MO DOR WFTC

6. How do I find free tax help near me?

• Call 800‑906‑9887 (IRS VITA), dial 211, or in St. Louis call Gateway EITC 314‑539‑4062; in KC call 816‑474‑5112. IRS Topic 101 • Gateway EITC • MU Extension KC

7. What are 2025 standard deductions?

• $22,500\ast \ast (HOH),\ast \ast$15,000 (Single/MFS), $30,000 (MFJ). Missouri uses federal amounts. IRS IRB 2024‑45 • MO DOR confirms parity

8. I’m elderly/disabled—do I qualify for Missouri’s Property Tax Credit?

• Possibly. Max $1,100\ast \ast forownersor\ast \ast$750 for renters, based on income and age/disability. Use MO‑PTC/MO‑PTS. MO DOR PTC

9. Can I reduce Missouri income by contributing to a 529?

• Yes. Subtract up to $8,000\ast \ast perperson(\ast \ast$16,000 MFJ) for qualified 529 contributions. Keep statements. RSMo 166.435

10. My EITC/ACTC refund is late and I’m facing shut‑off/eviction. What can I do?

• IRS can’t release EITC/ACTC refunds before mid‑February, but if you’re past that and in hardship, the Taxpayer Advocate Service may help. Call 877‑777‑4778 or submit Form 911. TAS refund help

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What to do if you hit a wall with taxes

• IRS phone lines are slammed. Check your exact status in Where’s My Refund? first. IRS refund status
• If an IRS or MO DOR notice is confusing, book a VITA appointment (free) to decode it with you.
• If you can’t resolve a serious issue, contact the Taxpayer Advocate Service 877‑777‑4778 (free, independent within IRS). TAS contact

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About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team

This guide uses official sources from Missouri Department of Revenue, IRS, and established nonprofits. It is produced based on our Editorial Standards focusing on primary sources, timely updates, and practical steps. We are not a government agency and cannot guarantee individual outcomes. For corrections, email info@asinglemother.org.

Last verified September 2025; next review April 2026.

Key sources verified and dated:

• IRS 2025 EITC, standard deduction, and ACTC refundability (IRB 2024‑45), reviewed 2025. Official IRS bulletin.
• Missouri Working Family Tax Credit rules (percentages, nonrefundable), 2025. MO DOR WFTC FAQ. MO‑WFTC 2024 form listed on MO DOR forms page. MO forms index
• Missouri 529 subtraction limits ($8,000/$16,000), statute. RSMo 166.435
• Missouri Property Tax Credit max amounts ($1,100\ast \ast owners/\ast \ast$750 renters). MO DOR PTC
• Back‑to‑School Sales Tax Holiday 2025 dates and caps. DOR consumer info
• EITC refund timing (PATH Act hold). IRS timing

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Disclaimer

• Program rules and amounts can change. Always verify with official sources linked here before filing.
• Never email or text your SSN, bank numbers, W‑2s, or other sensitive documents to anyone—including us. Use official IRS or MO DOR portals or bring documents in person to VITA sites.
• This guide is for general information and is not legal or tax advice for your specific situation.

If you spot an error or a dead link, email info@asinglemother.org. We aim to review and correct within 48–72 hours per our editorial policy.

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