Low and moderate income Wisconsin residents can take advantage of a variety of tax credits. These credits can bring thousands of extra dollars to individuals and families, but an estimated 20% of people who are eligible for these tax credits do not claim them every year. Here’s a breakdown by state. These credits include the Federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EIC), the Wisconsin Earned Income Tax Credit (EIC), and the Wisconsin Homestead Credit. You can learn more about these credits on this page and by reading these documents: English, Spanish
Tax Assistance Programs
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs are designed to help low and moderate income people file their income taxes. For the 2023 tax year, families who earned less than $60,000 were often eligible to use VITA and TCE services. In the past, most programs were open from February 1 through April 15. Check your eligibility for the VITA program here.
For more information:
call 800-906-9887 for Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site locations,
call 888-227-7669 for Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) site locations, or
call 211 for local tax assistance sites.
Wisconsin Department of Revenue lists tax assistance sites (VITA and TCE) in Wisconsin.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) provides information about VITA and TCE programs, what to bring if you plan to use a VITA or TCE program, and a locator tool to find a program near you.
Want to file your taxes online for free? Check out the IRS website for free file online options.
How to Claim Tax Credits
Both federal and state taxes are due on April 15, 2024. In order to claim most tax credits, you must file a tax return, even if you would not otherwise have to file. You can e-file (no cost for federal if you make less than $73,000/year) or file through the mail with the forms listed below.
Click below to learn more about which forms and documents you will need to claim tax credits.
Federal EIC
Information:
- IRS: Earned Income Tax Credit
- Publication 596: Earned Income Credit (PDF) Includes detailed information about eligibility and benefits
Forms:
- Form 1040 (PDF) and Form 1040 Instructions (PDF)
- Schedule EIC (PDF)
Wisconsin EIC
Information:
- Wisconsin Department of Revenue information about the EIC
- You must complete your federal taxes prior to calculating the Wisconsin EIC
Forms:
- Wisconsin Form 1 (PDF) and Form 1 Instructions (PDF)
- Line 29 of Form 1 will calculate Wisconsin EIC based on the federal credit
Wisconsin Homestead Credit
Information:
- Wisconsin Department of Revenue Claiming Homestead Credit
- Attach the forms listed below to your Wisconsin Form 1 (PDF) if you are filing Wisconsin state income taxes at the same time you are claiming the Homestead credit
Forms and Documents:
- Wisconsin Homestead Credit Claim Schedule H (PDF) or Schedule H-EZ (PDF) and Schedule H and Schedule H-EZ instructions (PDF)
- 2023 property tax bill if you owned and occupied your home
- Rent Certificate (PDF) if you are a renter
Federal Earned Income Credit for past years
Information:
- IRS: Claiming EITC in Prior Years
- IRS: EITC Assistant for the the year you are claiming the credit
Forms and Documents:
- Form 1040-X (PDF) and Form 1040-X Instructions (PDF)
- If you have a qualifying child or children, you’ll need to attach Schedule EIC for the year/s that you are claiming. You can find prior years forms by searching for “Schedule EIC” on this IRS website: Forms, Instructions & Publications
Wisconsin Homestead Credit for past years
Information:
- Wisconsin Department of Revenue Claiming Homestead Credit
- At the page for Claiming Homestead Credit, see responses to questions #5 & #9
Forms and Documents:
- Wisconsin Homestead Credit Claim Schedule H (PDF) or Schedule H-EZ (PDF) and Schedule H and Schedule H-EZ instructions (PDF)
- You may also need to file other Homestead Credit forms for the year you are claiming the credit
- Wisconsin Tax Forms
Other tax credits
Other tax credits may be available to you, including the Child Tax Credit, the Child and Dependent Care Credit, an Education Credit, and the Saver’s Credit. For more information, see the Get it Back campaign.
Additional Resources
What is the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)?
Information about The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) which may lower the taxes you owe and refund you up to $7,430 at tax time.
2023 Tax Credits: Get the Credit you Deserve (PDF)
A one page chart that provides a brief overview of eligibility for the Earned Income Tax Credits, the Child Care Tax Credit, and the Homestead Credit.
Créditos tributarios de 2020: ¡Obtenga el crédito que se merece! (PDF En Español)
Una gráfica de una página que proporciona un breve resumen de los requisitos con los que debe cumplir para recibir el Crédito tributario por ingreso del trabajo (Earned Income Tax Credit), el Crédito por gastos de cuidado de hijos menores (Child Care Tax Credit) y el Crédito por vivienda familiar (Homestead Credit).
More Money For You: 2023 Earned Income Tax Credit (PDF)
A one page document that provides a brief text overview of the Earned Income Tax Credits and how to claim them.
Más dinero para usted: Crédito tributario por ingreso del trabajo 2023 (PDF En Español)
Una página que proporciona un breve resumen de texto de los Créditos del impuesto sobre la renta del trabajo y cómo reclamarlos.
Other Federal Tax Credits
The national Get it Back Campaign provides information on several federal tax credits that are not discussed in-depth on this site, including the Child Tax Credit, Child & Dependent Care Credit, Education Tax Credit, and Saver’s Credit.
Note: This website is an educational resource only. For specific tax questions, seek professional tax assistance or contact an IRS Technical Assistance Center or call the tax hotline at 800-829-1040.
Teaching Children About Money
2023 Tax Credits: Get the Credit You Deserve
Federal Earned Income Tax Credit
