The credit is a share of the federal credit
New Jersey figures its credit as a percentage of the federal earned income credit. In the current rules that percentage is 40 percent, which means a $1,000 federal credit leads to a $400 state credit. That is the idea behind the credit, but check the percentage in the instructions for the year you file, since states can change it.
Because the state credit is built on the federal one, you start by working out the federal credit. If the federal credit is zero, the state credit built on it is generally zero as well, though you should read the state rules for any exception.
Refundable, and why that matters
A refundable credit is paid even if you owe no New Jersey tax. That is why low income workers who owe nothing to the state still see money from this credit. It is claimed on the New Jersey resident return, and the amount is added to your payments.
If you only had a small tax balance, the credit first reduces it and the rest comes back to you.
Who files and where
New Jersey residents claim the credit on their resident return. A part-year resident should read the instructions for how the credit is handled, because the share of the year spent in New Jersey can matter. A nonresident normally does not claim it.
If you moved in or out of New Jersey during the year, keep the move date and your income by period so the part-year rules can be applied.
Checking your numbers
Compare the state credit with the federal figure on your return. A quick sanity check is to multiply the federal credit by the state percentage. If your result is far off, check that the federal credit was entered on the state return exactly as it appears on the federal return.
Check your filing status and dependents on both returns. A mismatch can cause the state to deny the credit or ask for documents.
Common ways people lose it
They skip the federal credit because they assume they do not qualify, they leave off the state form or line, they enter the wrong income, or they claim a child who is also claimed by someone else. Another common one is a Social Security number problem for a spouse or a child.
If the IRS or New Jersey sends a notice about the credit, read it carefully and answer by the deadline, with documents that prove your income and your child's residence.
How software helps
Software that handles both returns carries the federal credit to the state return and applies the percentage for you. MCC Tax 1040 figures the New Jersey credit as a share of the federal credit and shows the working. Confirm the percentage and the rules against the official instructions before you file.
Common questions
Do I need children to get the New Jersey credit?
Not necessarily. The state credit follows the federal credit, which has a version for workers without children, and the state rules for that group are in its instructions.
Is the credit taxable?
Earned income credits are generally not counted as taxable income. Confirm the treatment in the current instructions.
What if I did not claim it in a past year?
You may be able to amend a past return within the time limit. Check the amended return rules and consider asking a tax preparer.
This guide is general information, not tax, legal or accounting advice. Rules, fees and due dates change; check with the IRS, the NJ Division of Taxation or a licensed professional for your situation.