Last updated: May 19, 2026
Bottom line
Texas does not have a state personal income tax, so most tax credits in this guide are federal credits. The big ones for many working single mothers are the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, Additional Child Tax Credit, Child and Dependent Care Credit, education credits, Premium Tax Credit, and Saver’s Credit.
You usually have to file a federal tax return to claim these credits, even if your income is low. The safest free starting points are IRS Free File, VITA or TCE, and the official EITC Assistant.
This guide is general information, not tax advice. Tax rules can depend on income, filing status, custody, immigration documents, prior IRS notices, and who else may claim the same child.
Need help fast?
If you are waiting on a refund and also need food, housing, utility, medical, child care, or safety help, do not wait for the IRS alone. Texas families can call 2-1-1 Texas or 877-541-7905 for local referrals. You can also check ASMOM’s Texas pages for emergency help, food help, utility help, and housing help.
If an IRS delay is causing serious hardship after you have already tried normal IRS steps, the Taxpayer Advocate may be able to help. If you have a tax dispute, audit, denied credit, or IRS notice and cannot afford a tax professional, look for a Low Income Clinic.
Where to start
If you want to file free online
Start with IRS Free File. For 2025 federal returns filed in 2026, guided Free File is for taxpayers with adjusted gross income of $89,000 or less. Texas has no state income tax return for wages, so a Texas worker often only files a federal return.
If you want a person to help
Search for VITA or TCE free tax help. These sites are usually busiest from February through April. Some sites can help with prior-year returns, ITIN issues, and simple self-employment, but each site has limits.
If you received a notice
Do not ignore the letter. Read the deadline, save a copy, and get help before sending documents. A free tax clinic may help if the notice involves EITC, Child Tax Credit, identity checks, audit documents, or a refund hold.
If you also need daily-life help while filing, use the main Texas help page to find other support paths. Tax refunds can help, but they are not a substitute for SNAP, TANF, child care help, Medicaid, rent help, or local emergency aid.
Quick reference table
| Credit or help path | What it may help with | 2025 tax year starting point | Reality check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Earned Income Tax Credit | Refundable credit for many workers with low or moderate income | Use the IRS EITC Assistant and income table | Investment income, SSN rules, and child rules matter |
| Child Tax Credit | Credit for qualifying children under 17 | Up to $2,200 per child for 2025 | The child must have the required SSN |
| Additional Child Tax Credit | Refundable part of the Child Tax Credit | Up to $1,700 per qualifying child for 2025 | Refunds with ACTC are held until mid-February |
| Child and Dependent Care Credit | Work-related child care or dependent care | Expenses up to $3,000 for one qualifying person or $6,000 for two or more | It is nonrefundable and needs provider information |
| Education credits | College, job training, or eligible higher education costs | AOTC may be partly refundable; LLC is not refundable | You cannot use the same expense twice |
| Premium Tax Credit | Marketplace health insurance premiums | Use Form 1095-A and Form 8962 | Income changes can create a repayment or added refund |
Why Texas is different
Texas does not have a state personal income tax, so there is no Texas state EITC or Texas state Child Tax Credit for wages. Your main refund credits are federal. A Texas employer still must notify employees about the federal EITC by March 1 each year, according to the Texas EITC notice rule.
Texas does have other tax savings that may matter to parents. The Comptroller lists sales tax holidays for certain items, such as back-to-school supplies and emergency preparation items. They are not refunds, but they can lower costs.
If you own your home, Texas property tax exemptions may also matter. Texas has no state property tax, and local property taxes are handled locally, but the Comptroller explains that qualifying property owners may use property tax exemptions. Homeowners should ask their county appraisal district about deadlines and rules.
Earned Income Tax Credit in Texas
The EITC rules are federal. The credit is for workers with earned income who meet IRS rules. Earned income can include wages, salaries, tips, and some self-employment income. It does not include child support, Social Security benefits, unemployment, interest, dividends, or alimony.
For the 2025 tax year, the IRS lists the EITC income limits and maximum credit amounts below. These are for taxpayers filing as single, head of household, married filing separately under the special separated-spouse rule, or qualifying surviving spouse. Married filing jointly has different limits. Use the official IRS EITC table before you file.
| Qualifying children | 2025 AGI must be below | Maximum EITC |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | $19,104 | $649 |
| 1 | $50,434 | $4,328 |
| 2 | $57,310 | $7,152 |
| 3 or more | $61,555 | $8,046 |
The investment income limit for 2025 is $11,950 or less. You also need a valid Social Security number for EITC. If you are claiming a child for EITC, the child must meet IRS relationship, age, residency, and joint-return rules. A child generally must live with you in the United States for more than half the year.
Common EITC problems
- Two people try to claim the same child.
- The child lived with another adult for more nights.
- A parent uses the wrong filing status.
- A prior EITC denial means Form 8862 is needed.
- Self-employment income is guessed instead of documented.
Single mothers who are working while also training for better jobs may also want to check job training options, because more stable work can affect next year’s EITC and child care planning.
Child Tax Credit and Additional Child Tax Credit
The Child Tax Credit is for qualifying children under age 17 at the end of the tax year. For 2025 returns, the IRS Schedule 8812 instructions say the maximum Child Tax Credit increased to $2,200 per qualifying child. The maximum Additional Child Tax Credit is $1,700 per qualifying child.
Beginning with tax year 2025, the filer must have a valid Social Security number to claim the CTC or ACTC. On a joint return, one spouse must have a valid SSN and the other must have an SSN or ITIN issued by the due date. The qualifying child must also have the required SSN by the due date, including extensions.
The CTC and Credit for Other Dependents begin to phase out when modified adjusted gross income is more than $200,000 for filing statuses other than married filing jointly. Many single mothers will be far below this limit, but the SSN and dependent rules still matter.
Refund timing warning
If your return claims the EITC or ACTC, the IRS cannot issue that refund before mid-February. The IRS says many early EITC or ACTC filers who e-file, choose direct deposit, and have no return issues can expect the refund by March 2. Use refund timing and refund status tools instead of guessing.
If custody, child support, or who claims the child is in dispute, read IRS notices carefully and consider legal help. ASMOM’s Texas pages on child support and legal help may help you find the right office or clinic, but a tax professional or legal aid group should review hard cases.
Child and Dependent Care Credit
This 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 13, or for another qualifying person who cannot care for themselves. IRS Publication 503 says the expense limit is $3,000 for one qualifying person or $6,000 for two or more qualifying persons.
The credit rate can be as high as 35% for lower-income filers and gets smaller as income rises. The credit is nonrefundable, so it can reduce tax you owe, but it will not create a refund by itself. You must use Form 2441 and list the care provider’s name, address, and taxpayer identification number unless an IRS exception applies.
Qualifying care can include daycare, after-school care, preschool below kindergarten, and day camp while you work. It generally does not include overnight camp, child support, kindergarten tuition, tutoring, or care paid to a person you can claim as a dependent. If you get dependent care benefits through work, your credit limit may be reduced.
For help paying for care now, not just at tax time, check child care assistance. The tax credit can help later, but child care subsidy programs may help with current weekly or monthly costs.
Other credits and tax savings to check
Education credits
If you or your dependent paid eligible college or higher education costs, check the IRS education credits. The American Opportunity Tax Credit may be partly refundable for eligible students in the first four years of higher education. The Lifetime Learning Credit is nonrefundable but can help with many kinds of college or job-skill classes.
Bring Form 1098-T, receipts for books and supplies, and records of scholarships or grants. You cannot use the same expense for more than one tax benefit. For tuition help outside tax filing, see Texas school grants and national scholarship options through your school financial aid office.
Premium Tax Credit
If you had Marketplace health coverage during 2025, you must reconcile the Premium Tax Credit when filing. HealthCare.gov says to use Form 1095-A with Form 8962. The IRS explains that the Premium Tax Credit is refundable and is based on household income and Marketplace coverage facts.
If your income changed during the year, you may owe some credit back or receive more credit. For health coverage help in Texas, see health coverage options and check official Marketplace notices before you file.
Saver’s Credit
The Saver’s Credit may help if you put money into an IRA, 401(k), 403(b), SIMPLE plan, governmental 457(b), or certain ABLE accounts. The maximum contribution amount that can count is $2,000 for one filer, making the maximum credit $1,000. It is nonrefundable.
Adoption Credit
If you finalized an adoption, the IRS Adoption Credit page says qualified adoption expenses are limited to $17,280 per child for 2025, with a refundable portion up to $5,000 per qualifying child. Adoption tax rules can be detailed, especially for foster care, special needs, or international adoption, so get help before filing if you are unsure.
Documents checklist
Tax credits often get delayed because one document is missing or a number does not match. Put these items in one folder before you file or visit a tax site.
| Bring or gather | Why it matters | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Photo ID | Free tax sites must verify identity | Bring ID for you and spouse if filing jointly |
| SSNs or ITINs | Needed for filer, spouse, and dependents | Names must match official records |
| W-2s and 1099s | Shows wages, unemployment, gig work, and other income | Do not file before all forms arrive |
| Child care receipts | Needed for Form 2441 | Ask the provider for EIN or SSN |
| Form 1095-A | Needed for Marketplace coverage | Download it from your Marketplace account |
| Form 1098-T | Used for education credits | Also save book and supply receipts |
| Prior-year return | Helps verify AGI and prevent errors | Use an IRS account if you need a transcript |
| IRS letters | Shows deadlines and what IRS wants | Bring every page, front and back |
If you need other support documents for benefit programs, rent help, or local assistance, the Texas pages for TANF help, school supplies, and baby items can help you organize next steps beyond taxes.
What to do if your refund is delayed, reduced, or denied
First, check the official refund tracker. The IRS says refund status is usually available 24 hours after you e-file a current-year return, 3 days after you e-file a prior-year return, or 4 weeks after you mail a paper return. E-file and direct deposit are usually faster than paper filing.
If your refund is reduced, the IRS says offsets may be used for some past-due debts, including past-due child support, federal agency nontax debt, and state income tax debt. Texas has no state income tax, but other debts can still matter. The Bureau of the Fiscal Service usually sends an offset notice.
Plan B while you wait
- Call 2-1-1 Texas for food, rent, utility, transportation, or local charity referrals.
- Ask VITA, a Low Income Taxpayer Clinic, or the Taxpayer Advocate about IRS letters.
- Save proof that your child lived with you, such as school, medical, child care, or lease records.
- Avoid refund advance loans unless you understand every fee and repayment rule.
If a benefit or local assistance case is also delayed or closed, ASMOM’s guide on benefits problems may help you organize calls, documents, and appeal steps.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Paying for a basic return before checking IRS Free File or VITA.
- Claiming a child without checking who the child lived with for more than half the year.
- Using child support or SNAP benefits as earned income for EITC. They do not count as earned income.
- Filing before all W-2s, 1099s, 1095-A forms, or child care records arrive.
- Ignoring an IRS letter because the refund tracker still says processing.
- Using a preparer who will not sign the return or give you a copy.
Phone scripts
Calling a VITA site
“Hi, I am a single parent in Texas and I need help filing my 2025 federal tax return. Do you help with EITC, Child Tax Credit, child care expenses, and Marketplace Form 1095-A? What documents should I bring, and do I need an appointment?”
Calling a child care provider
“I am preparing my tax return and need my child care payment total for 2025. Can you give me a receipt or year-end statement with your name, address, and EIN or taxpayer ID for Form 2441?”
Calling about an IRS notice
“I received an IRS letter about my EITC or Child Tax Credit. The deadline says [date]. Can your office help me understand what documents are needed before I respond?”
Calling 2-1-1 Texas
“I am waiting on a tax refund and need help with [food, rent, utility bills, child care, transportation, or medical care]. My ZIP code is [ZIP]. What programs are open now, and what documents do I need?”
Resumen en español
Texas no tiene impuesto estatal sobre ingresos personales, así que los créditos principales para muchas madres solteras son federales. Revise el EITC, el Crédito Tributario por Hijos, el Crédito Adicional por Hijos, el crédito por cuidado de niños, créditos de educación y el crédito para seguro médico del Marketplace.
Use ayuda oficial y gratuita cuando sea posible: IRS Free File, VITA/TCE, el Asistente de EITC del IRS, o una clínica tributaria para personas de bajos ingresos si recibió una carta del IRS. Si necesita comida, renta, servicios públicos o cuidado infantil mientras espera el reembolso, llame al 2-1-1 en Texas.
FAQ
Does Texas have a state EITC?
No. Texas does not have a state personal income tax, so it does not have a state EITC for wages. Texas workers may still qualify for the federal EITC.
Do I need to file a tax return to get EITC?
Yes. You must file a federal tax return and claim the credit to receive EITC, even if your income is low and you are not otherwise required to file.
Can I claim EITC if I get child support?
Child support is not earned income for EITC. You may still qualify if you have other earned income, such as wages or eligible self-employment income, and meet all IRS rules.
What if my child does not have a Social Security number?
EITC and Child Tax Credit rules require certain Social Security numbers. If your child does not have the required SSN, ask VITA, a tax clinic, or a qualified tax professional before filing.
Can I use the child care credit for summer camp?
Day camp may qualify if the care lets you work or look for work and the child meets the rules. Overnight camp and tutoring are generally not qualifying care expenses.
Where can I get free tax help in Texas?
Start with IRS Free File for online filing, or search for a VITA or TCE site for in-person help. You can also call 2-1-1 Texas for local referrals.
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.