If you’re a family that counts on SNAP (food stamps), it’s good to know what to expect in 2025. How much you get depends on your income, what your bills are, and the rules in your state. SNAP’s goal is to give enough help so families can get healthy food. If you’re not sure if you qualify or how much you’ll get, reach out to your local SNAP office or find a benefits calculator online. Staying up-to-date on any rule changes can help you get the most assistance possible and plan your budget.
Tax season can be a headache, but there’s good news for many low- and mid-income workers: the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). It’s like a little extra money back from the government that can lower what you owe or even get you a bigger refund. If you think you qualify and you’ve already filed, you’re probably wondering when that money will hit your account. This guide breaks down the EITC, what to expect in March 2025, and how to get your refund fast.
What’s the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)?
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a government thing to help people with low to medium incomes. It started back in 1975. It cuts down the amount of tax you owe, and if you don’t owe much (or anything), you might get money back. How much you get depends on your earnings, if you’re single or married, and how many kids you have.
To get the EITC, here’s what you need:
- You need to have made money from a job, self-employment, or some disability payments.
- There are income limits that change each year based on your situation.
- You, your spouse, and any kids you’re claiming need valid Social Security numbers.
- You have to file a tax return (Form 1040 or 1040-SR), even if you don’t usually need to.
- You need to be a U.S. citizen or a legal resident all year.
In 2025, the most you can get from the EITC is about $600 if you don’t have kids, all the way up to $7,000+ if you have three or more, depending on your income.
Why Does the EITC Refund Take So Long?
The IRS has rules about sending out refunds that include the EITC or the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC). The law says they can’t send these refunds before mid-February, even if you filed super early. This is to help stop fraud and make sure the money goes to the right people.
If you filed early, did everything right (like filing online and using direct deposit), and didn’t make any mistakes, you might have gotten your refund before March 3, 2025. But if you filed closer to the deadline, or there were problems with your return, it could take longer.
When to Expect Your Refund in March 2025
If you filed with the EITC and everything is good, you’ll usually get your refund within three weeks. Here’s a rough idea of dates based on when you filed:
| Filing Date | Expected Refund Date |
|---|---|
| Before February 12, 2025 | Already received (if no errors) |
| February 13 – 19, 2025 | March 6 – 12, 2025 |
| February 20 – 26, 2025 | March 13 – 19, 2025 |
| February 27 – March 5, 2025 | March 20 – 26, 2025 |
The IRS suggests using their Where’s My Refund? tool (either on their website or the IRS2Go app) to keep tabs on things. You’ll need your Social Security number, how you filed, and the exact refund amount.
How to Actually Claim the EITC
Getting the EITC right means doing your taxes carefully. Here’s what to do:
- Use Form 1040 or 1040- SR: You have to use one of these forms; you can’t use simpler versions like 1040EZ.
- Add Schedule EIC: If you’re claiming the EITC because you have kids, you’ll need to include this form with details about them (like their Social Security numbers).
- File Online: The IRS likes it when you file electronically because it cuts down on mistakes and speeds things up.
- Choose Direct Deposit: Get your refund deposited straight into your bank account instead of waiting for a paper check. Just make sure you type in your account info correctly.
- Fix Mistakes If Needed: If you realize after filing that you should have claimed the EITC, you can file an amended return (Form 1040-X). You have up to three years to do this.
Why Refunds Get Held Up
Most refunds show up in about three weeks, but here are some things that can cause delays:
- Typos: Mistakes in Social Security numbers, income, etc., can slow things down.
- Missing Paperwork: Forgetting a form like Schedule EIC can hold up your refund.
- Bad Bank Info: If you mess up your direct deposit information, the money might get sent back.
- IRS Review: Sometimes the IRS picks returns to double-check, which can add weeks to the wait.
If your refund is taking longer than it should, you can call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040.
Tips to Get Your Refund Faster
To help your EITC refund arrive ASAP, try these:
- File Early: Getting your taxes done early gives you more time to fix any problems.
- Double-Check Everything: Make sure all your numbers (Social Security, bank info) are correct.
- Keep Your Documents: Hold onto your W-2s, 1099s, and other income statements. The IRS might ask for them.
- Track Your Refund: Use the IRS’s Where’s My Refund? tool to see where things stand.
Conclusion
The Earned Income Tax Credit can really help out working families. Knowing the rules and dates can help you get the most out of it. To get your refund quickly, make sure your return is correct, file online, and include all the right forms. This way, you can avoid delays and make tax season a little easier.