What IRS form is generally associated with claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit?

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is typically claimed using the Form 1040, which is the standard individual income tax return form. This form allows taxpayers to report their income, calculate their tax liability, and claim various tax credits, including the EITC.

Form 8862, which is often related to the question, is specifically used to claim the EITC after it has been disallowed in a previous year. It serves as a way for individuals to demonstrate to the IRS that they are eligible to claim the EITC again after a prior disallowance. Therefore, while Form 8862 can be associated with the EITC in certain circumstances, it is not the primary form used to claim the credit initially.

Form 1040X is used for amending a previously filed tax return, while Form W-2 is the wage and tax statement provided by employers to report wages paid and taxes withheld, and it is not directly used for claiming any tax credits. Form 1040 remains the main form through which eligible taxpayers will claim the EITC.