The federal earned income tax credit celebrates 50th anniversary. Yet, IRS estimates one in five eligible taxpayers miss out on claiming the credit.

The 2025 tax season has officially begun, and while Americans are looking to get the most out of their returns, the Internal Revenue Service says a fifth of eligible taxpayers fail to take advantage of a massive tax break every year.

There is a sizable tax credit for low- and moderate-income families, but the IRS estimates a fifth of eligible taxpayers fail to take advantage of the tax break each year. The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) was signed into law and is designed to “lift many financially challenged families out of poverty,