Can I claim the EITC (earned income tax credit) if I turn 25 right before tax deadline?

Oh that's really disappointing! I thought maybe since I'm filing during the 2025 filing season and will be 25 before the deadline, I'd qualify. So there's absolutely no way for me to get the EITC this year? Not even a partial credit or something?

I understand your disappointment. Unfortunately, there's no partial EITC option based on age - you either meet the age requirement for the tax year or you don't. The December 31st cutoff is a strict rule. However, there might be other tax credits or deductions you qualify for instead. The American Opportunity Tax Credit or Lifetime Learning Credit if you're in school, or potentially the Recovery Rebate Credit if you missed any stimulus payments. Also, make sure you're claiming the standard deduction at minimum to reduce your taxable income.

How does the document analysis work? I've got a bunch of tax forms but I'm never sure if I'm missing something obvious that could save me money.

Sounds interesting but idk if I trust some random site with my tax docs. How do you know it's secure? Is it just reading the docs or does it actually file for you?

The document analysis works by using AI to scan your tax documents and identify potential credits and deductions based on your specific situation. You upload things like W-2s, 1099s, education expenses, etc., and it reviews them all at once to find opportunities that many people miss. It's completely secure with bank-level encryption and doesn't actually file your taxes - it just analyzes your documents and gives you recommendations. You can then apply those insights whether you're using tax software or working with a preparer. I was skeptical at first too, but their privacy policy is solid and they don't store your documents after analysis.

Wait, so this service just gets you to the front of the IRS phone line? How does that even work? I thought everyone had to suffer through the same horrible wait times lol.

Yeah right. No way this actually works. The IRS is a black hole - I've literally waited 3+ hours and then got disconnected. If this actually worked they'd charge a fortune for it.

It's not about getting to the "front of the line" - what they do is use an automated system that continually calls the IRS and navigates through all the phone prompts until it gets a spot in the queue. Once it's in line, it holds your place and calls you to connect when an agent is available. It basically does the waiting for you so you don't have to sit there with your phone for hours. And I get the skepticism - I felt the same way! But it actually worked for me when I needed to resolve an issue with my refund. The IRS agent I spoke with was able to look at my specific situation and help me understand my options. It's not free, but considering I'd already wasted hours trying to get through on my own, it was worth it to finally talk to someone who could help.

I hadn't even thought about state-specific credits! Do you know where I should look to find out if my state has different age requirements for their version of the EITC?

Check your state's department of revenue or taxation website - they usually have a dedicated page for state tax credits. Just google "[your state] earned income tax credit" and it should come up. You can also look at your state tax form instructions which typically list all available credits. About half of US states offer their own EITC, and the rules do vary. Some states make it a percentage of the federal credit, but others have their own qualifications. Worth checking because even if you don't qualify for the federal one, you might get some benefit from your state!

That's only partially right. You also qualify for EITC under 25 if you're a specified student who was in foster care or experienced homelessness. Just adding that detail in case it applies to OP or anyone else reading.