DC earned income tax credit and Keep Child Care Affordable credit
One of the largest local earned income credits in the country, plus a credit for families paying for child care for young children.
Apply on the official site ↗Goes to OTR.CFO.dc.gov. Applying is free.
Who generally qualifies
DC residents who qualify for the federal EITC, and families with children 3 and under in child care with income under the limit.
Exact income limits and rules are set by DC Office of Tax and Revenue and can change. Check the official site for current details.
How to apply
- File a DC income tax return.
- Claim the credit on your state return.
What to have ready
- W-2s or self-employment records
- Social Security numbers
- Children's information, if any
Common questions
- Does it cost anything to apply?
- No. Applying through the official site is free. Be wary of anyone who charges a fee to apply for you.
- Do I have to pay it back?
- No. This is free money that does not need to be paid back, as long as the information you give is accurate.
- Who decides if I qualify?
- DC Office of Tax and Revenue makes the final decision. This page explains the program in general terms only.
- Where can I find current income limits and amounts?
- Income limits, benefit amounts and deadlines change, so check OTR.CFO.dc.gov for the latest details.
Added October 21, 2026. BenefitSearch is not affiliated with DC Office of Tax and Revenue.