EITC Expansion Proposals: What’s at Stake for Young Workers.

Recognizing the importance of the EITC in lifting low-wage workers out of poverty, there has been strong bi-partisan support for expanding the credit to childless workers (including non-custodial parents) and younger workers. A number of proposals to expand the EITC would do just that. The EITC can have a lasting impact on an individual’s ability to persist in the workforce and overcome financial challenges. However, under current law, childless workers, including non-custodial parents, are only eligible for a nominal credit. Moreover, they are denied the credit entirely if they are under 25. (Author abstract)