For use in Preparing 2012 Returns
Introduction, Useful Items and Important Changes

Introduction– Begin Here

Can I Claim the EIC?
Do I Need This Publication?
Do I Have To Have a Child To Qualify For The EIC?
How Do I Figure the Amount of EIC?
How Can I Quickly Locate Specific Information?
Is There Help Online?
What's New for 2012
Future Developments
Reminders

Chapter 1 - Rules for Everyone

Rule 1 - Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) Limits
Rule 2 - You Must Have a Valid Social Security Number (SSN)
Rule 3 - Your Filing Status Cannot BeMarried Filing Separately
Rule 4 - You Must Be a U.S. Citizen or Resident Alien All Year
Rule 5 - You Cannot File Form 2555 or Form 2555-EZ
Rule 6 - Your Investment Income Must Be $3,200 or Less
Rule 7 - You Must Have Earned Income
Earned Income
Approved Form 4361 or Form 4029
Disability Benefits

Chapter 2 - Rules If You Have a Qualifying Child

Rule 8 - Your Child Must Meet the Relationship, Age, Residency, and Joint Return Tests
Rule 9 - Your Qualifying Child Cannot Be Used By More Than One Person To Claim the EIC
Rule 10 - You Cannot Be a Qualifying Child of Another Taxpayer

Chapter 3 - Rules If You Do Not Have a Qualifying Child

Rule 11 - You Must Be at Least Age 25 but Under Age 65
Rule 12 - You Cannot Be the Dependent of Another Person
Rule 13 - You Cannot Be a Qualifying Child of Another Taxpayer
Rule 14 - You Must Have Lived in the United States More Than Half of the Year

Chapter 4 - Figuring and Claiming the EIC

Rule 15 - Earned Income Limits
Earned Income
IRS Will Figure the EIC for You
How To Figure the EIC Yourself
Special Instructions for Form 1040 Filers
Schedule EIC

Chapter 5 - Disallowance of the EIC

Form 8862
Are You Prohibited From Claiming the EIC for a Period of Years?

Chapter 6 - Detailed Examples

Example 1. Cynthia and Jerry Grey
Example 2. Sharon Rose

Chapter 7 - Appendix

Earned Income Credit (EIC) Table

Chapter 8 - How To Get Tax Help

Chapter 9 - EIC Eligibility Checklist