How To Figure the EIC Yourself(p30)

To figure the EIC yourself, use the EIC worksheet in the instructions for the form you are using (Form 1040, Form 1040A, or Form 1040EZ). If you have a qualifying child, complete Schedule EIC (discussed later in this chapter) and attach it to your tax return.

If you want the IRS to figure your EIC for you, see IRS Will Figure the EIC for You, earlier.

If you file Form 1040, you will need to decide whether to use EIC Worksheet A or EIC Worksheet B to figure the amount of your EIC. This section explains how to use these worksheets and how to report the EIC on your return.

Use EIC Worksheet A if you were not self-employed at any time in 2011 and are not a member of the clergy, a church employee who files Schedule SE, or a statutory employee filing Schedule C or C-EZ.

Use EIC Worksheet B if you were self-employed at any time in 2011 or are a member of the clergy, a church employee who files Schedule SE, or a statutory employee filing Schedule C or C-EZ. If any of the following situations apply to you, read the paragraph and then complete EIC Worksheet B.

If your net earnings from self-employment are $400 or more, be sure to correctly fill out Schedule SE (Form 1040) and pay the proper amount of self-employment tax. If you do not, you may not get all the EIC you are entitled to.

Using the optional methods on Schedule SE to figure your net earnings from self-employment may qualify you for the EIC or give you a larger credit. If your net earnings (without using the optional methods) are less than $4,480, see the instructions for Schedule SE for details about the optional methods.

You must complete both Parts 1 and 2 of EIC Worksheet B if all of the following conditions apply to you.

1. You are married filing a joint return.
2. Both you and your spouse have income from self-employment.
3. You or your spouse files a Schedule SE and the other spouse does not file Schedule SE.

Statutory employees report wages and expenses on Schedule C or C-EZ. They do not file Schedule SE. If you are a statutory employee, enter the amount from line 1c of Schedule C or C-EZ in Part 3 when you complete EIC Worksheet B.