What is a requirement for a taxpayer to be eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit for tax year 2023?

To be eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for tax year 2023, a taxpayer must have earned income derived from employment or self-employment. This requirement emphasizes the EITC's intention to support working individuals and their families, as the credit is designed to assist those who are actively participating in the workforce. Earned income may include wages, salaries, tips, and other forms of compensation from work-related activities.

The focus on earned income highlights the nature of the credit, as it aims to reward and incentivize employment. Other income types, such as investment income, are specifically excluded from counting toward eligibility for the credit. Thus, having earned income is a crucial step in determining whether a taxpayer can benefit from this tax credit.

Additionally, while there are income restrictions on the maximum adjusted gross income to claim the EITC, simply having a total income below a certain threshold or claiming all deductions and credits does not inherently qualify someone for the EITC. Instead, it is the presence of earned income that is the fundamental requirement for eligibility.