Past Tax Credits You Can Still Apply For

It's 2025, but it may not be too late to apply for some tax credits dating back to 2021.

In fact, many taxpayers still have time to file their original or amended 2021 return and claim a credit or refund. This includes refundable credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC), or the American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC).

For these credits, you have three years to file and claim a refund from the due date of your tax return.

If you did not claim the EITC, ACTC or AOTC on your 2021 return but were eligible to do so, you may still have time to claim those valuable credits and get a tax refund. Examples:

1. If you did not file a 2021 return yet, you have until April 15, 2025, to do so to get a refund.
2. If you filed a 2021 return, you have exactly three years to file an amended return to get a refund — but no later than April 15, 2025, to do so.

Take action today! It could put some more money in your pocket.

• Follow this link to see what tax credits you might qualify for.
• See if any VITA volunteers can help you file. Or use free online tax filing from the IRS.
• Follow this link to our Taxes section for 7 tax-time tips.