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Form 15111: Earned Income Credit (EIC) Worksheet (CP 09)
IRS Form 15111 is the Earned Income Credit (EIC) Worksheet (CP 09), which determines if an individual qualifies for EIC. The form revision date on file is February 2026.
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IRS Form 15111 - Earned Income Credit (EIC) Worksheet (CP 09)
IRS Form 15111 is the Earned Income Credit (EIC) Worksheet (CP 09), which determines if an individual qualifies for EIC. The form revision date on file is February 2026.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1If you checked any box in Step 1, you must stop there; otherwise, proceed to Step 2.
- 2Filing without checking any box in Step 1 when criteria are met.
- 3Not listing dependents who meet EIC requirements in Step 2.
- 4Incorrectly answering 'Yes' or 'No' to whether a dependent lived in the U.S. for >6 months.
- 5Claiming a qualifying child that is already claimed by another taxpayer.
Plain English
This worksheet helps determine if a person qualifies for the Earned Income Credit (EIC). By completing it, filers can see if they meet the necessary criteria to receive this tax credit. If qualifying children are involved, the worksheet guides the filer through assessing each dependent's eligibility.
Submission Date
- Filing date: 2026-02-04 10:11:01
- Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
- Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.
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What this form is for
- Use this form when determining if you qualify for the Earned Income Credit (EIC) and have not already qualified or need a worksheet to verify eligibility.
- Do not use Form 15111 when claiming an EITC qualifying child who was NOT listed as a dependent on your original Form 1040 return, because that requires filing Form 1040X instead.
- Check Form 1040X instead when you are claiming an EIC qualifying child who was not listed as a dependent on your original Form 1040 return.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Claiming an EITC qualifying child who is NOT listed as a dependent on the original Form 1040
You must file this form to claim the child's credit.
✓ Check Step 2 instructions.
You are claiming an EIC qualifying child already listed on your original Form 1040 return
Complete this worksheet to verify eligibility for the existing dependent.
✓ Proceed to complete Step 2 details.
Neither you nor your spouse qualifies for credit via a qualifying child, but you meet other requirements
You may qualify without a qualifying child if you are aged 25-64 and meet other criteria.
✓ Complete Step 3 review.
Deadline or filing window
The determination is made for tax year 2025. If a filer checks boxes in Step 1, they can stop immediately and do not need to respond further. The form does not specify an extension period beyond the standard filing deadline.
Checklist
What you need before filling it out
Step 1 Checkboxes
Your personal details or spouse's details · Form p.1
Qualifying Child Criteria (Age/Status)
Must meet specific age thresholds (e.g., under 19, student under 24, disabled regardless of age). · Form p.1 & p.2
Dependent Living Requirement
The dependent must have lived in the U.S. for more than 6 months in 2025. · Step 2 (Question 3) on Form p.2
Self-Qualification Criteria (Without Child)
Must be 25-64 years old, unable to be claimed by another taxpayer, and lived in the U.S. > half the year. · Step 3 on Form p.2
Filing Status Check (for Step 1)
Must confirm whether a joint return was filed for 2025. · Step 1 on Form p.1
Before you submit
- 1Ensure you have completed all required fields for your personal information (Name, SSN, Address, Phone) if not using an electronic upload.
- 2Verify that at least one statement in Step 1 applies to you or your spouse before proceeding past the initial checks.
- 3Confirm that if you claim a dependent, they meet ALL criteria listed under Step 2 (e.g., lived > 6 months in U.S.).
- 4If claiming dependents, verify the 'Yes' answer for Question 3 on Form p.2 matches the dependent's residency status.
- 5Check Step 3 to confirm how many dependents meet the requirements before declaring eligibility.
- 6If no dependents qualify, review the criteria in Step 3 to see if you qualify without a child (age 25-64).
- 7Confirm that a qualifying dependent can only be claimed by one person.
How to file this form
- 1Complete your personal information section on Form 15111, including Name, SSN, and current address details.
- 2Review Step 1: Place check marks in the box(es) that describe you or your spouse regarding residency, benefit status, or being an EITC qualifying child of another person.
- 3If no boxes are checked in Step 1, proceed to Step 2; if a box is checked, stop and confirm qualification based on those initial criteria.
- 4Complete the dependent information section (Step 2) for each qualifying child, ensuring you answer 'Yes' to Question 3 (lived > 6 months in U.S.).
- 5Refer to Step 3 to count how many dependents meet the requirements and determine if you qualify based on those children.
- 6If no dependents qualify, review the criteria in Step 3 to confirm eligibility for EITC without a qualifying child.
- 7Upload Form 15111 electronically using the Document Upload Tool or mail it in via the enclosed envelope.
Known limitations
- 1If any of the statements described in Step 1 apply to the filer or spouse (if filing jointly), and all criteria are met, the filer does not qualify for EIC and does not need to respond further.
- 2A dependent who meets the requirements can only be claimed by one person.
- 3If a qualifying child was not listed as a dependent on the original Form 1040 return, the filer must file a Form 1040X instead of completing this portion of Form 15111.
- 4If none of the dependents meet the requirements, eligibility for EIC without a qualifying child requires that the filer (or spouse) be at least 25 but less than 65 years old, cannot be claimed by another taxpayer, and lived in the U.S. for more than half the year.
Field map
Compact field-by-field guide
General Info
2 items
Full legal name and taxpayer identification number (SSN or EIN).
Current mailing address.
Details
2 items
Complete all applicable sections of this form according to the official IRS instructions.
Enter the relevant dollar amount if this form involves tax calculation.
Certification
1 items
Read and acknowledge any certifications required by this form.
Signatures
1 items
Sign and date. Unsigned forms cannot be processed.
Almost done reviewing the fields?
Fillable formOpen in Editor->The current edition is Form 15111 (Rev. 2-2026), which was released in February 2026; the form directs users to IRS.Gov for additional information regarding the Document Upload Tool.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Edition date — confirm the revision date reads 2-2026.
- Catalog Number — confirm the number reads 69806K.
- Mailing address — Not stated in the official source (verify on the agency site).
- Signature — Not explicitly required on this worksheet, but implied by completion/submission.
- Form Name — confirm the title is Earned Income Credit (EIC) Worksheet (CP 09).
Quick Facts
Downloads
After you file
- 1The filer should keep a copy of the completed Form 15111.
- 2If mailing the form, the filer must use the enclosed envelope.
- 3The IRS may send a CP09 notice that contains additional information regarding the Document Upload Tool.
- 4To check for EIC qualification before filing the next tax return, the filer should use the EITC Assistant toolkit at IRS.Gov/EITC.
Sources
- SRCForm 15111 (Rev. 2-2026) is the Earned Income Credit (EIC) Worksheet (CP 09) and its catalog number is 69806K.
- SRCStep 1 requires checking a box if any statement describes the filer or spouse who filed jointly for 2025.
- SRCFor an EITC qualifying child, one must be under age 19 at year-end AND younger than the filer (or spouse), OR under age 24 at year-end, a student, AND younger than the filer (or spouse).
- SRCIf any box is checked in Step 1, the filer does not qualify for EITC and need not respond further.
- SRCStep 2 requires completing information if claiming an EITC qualifying child already listed as a dependent on Form 1040.
- SRCThe form states that an EITC qualifying child must meet specific criteria including being a relative/friend, meeting age rules, and living in the U.S. for more than 6 months.
Common confusion points
What if I checked a box in Step 1 but still think I might qualify?
If you checked any boxes in Step 1, the form states to stop there and that you DO NOT qualify for EIC; no further response is needed.
Do I need to file Form 1040X even if I completed this worksheet?
Yes, if you are claiming an EITC qualifying child who was not listed as a dependent on your original Form 1040 return.
When do the rules for dependents apply?
The requirements for an EITC Qualifying Child must be met by the individual being claimed in Step 2 (or referenced in Step 1).
What counts as 'lived in the U.S. for more than 6 months'?
For a dependent, this means they lived with you or your spouse (if filing jointly) in the U.S. for more than 6 months.
If I filed jointly but am claiming an EITC qualifying child, does that change the age rules?
Yes; for joint filers, the age criteria are based on whether the filer or their spouse is under age 19 (and younger than the other) or under age 24 and a student (and younger than the other).
What happens if I qualify without a qualifying child?
You may be eligible for the credit if you meet specific criteria regarding your age, dependency status, and time spent in the U.S.
Workflow map
Related forms and next steps
Before
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After
Often used with
⚠ If something goes wrong
- Contact the IRS by calling 800-829-0922 or visiting www.irs.gov if your address has changed.
Questions about IRS Form 15111
What is IRS Form 15111 used for?
This worksheet helps determine if a person qualifies for the Earned Income Credit (EIC). By completing it, filers can see if they meet the necessary criteria to receive this tax credit. If qualifying children are involved, the worksheet guides the filer through assessing each dependent's eligibility.
Who must file IRS Form 15111?
Individuals who are filing their taxes must complete IRS Form 15111 (Rev. 2-2026) to determine EIC qualification.
What information does IRS Form 15111 require?
The form collects personal information such as name, SSN, address, and phone numbers. It also gathers details about dependents in Step 2, including their name, SSN, and whether they lived in the U.S. for more than 6 months.
Where do I file IRS Form 15111?
The filer may upload Form 15111 electronically using the Document Upload Tool or mail it in the enclosed envelope. Additional information about the Document Upload Tool can be found on the CP09 notice.
How do I complete IRS Form 15111?
First, complete personal contact details at the top of Form 15111. Next, check boxes in Step 1 based on personal circumstances or move to Step 2 to list dependents. Finally, review Step 3 to see how many dependents meet the requirements and determine eligibility for the credit.
What happens if IRS Form 15111 is filed incorrectly?
If the form is completed incorrectly, the filer might fail to qualify for the EIC, even if they are otherwise eligible for the credit.
What if I checked a box in Step 1 but still think I might qualify?
If you checked any boxes in Step 1, the form states to stop there and that you DO NOT qualify for EIC; no further response is needed.
Do I need to file Form 1040X even if I completed this worksheet?
Yes, if you are claiming an EITC qualifying child who was not listed as a dependent on your original Form 1040 return.
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