As the 2024 tax season begins, the New Jersey Department of the Treasury is encouraging residents to check their eligibility for the State’s Earned Income Tax Credit (NJEITC). This credit offers potential tax relief or increased refunds for low- and moderate-income workers.
Annually, more than 700,000 New Jersey residents qualify for this program. However, a significant portion—25 percent—do not apply. Taxpayers are advised to visit njeitc.nj.gov to verify their eligibility and benefit from this initiative.
“New Jersey’s EITC is a vital resource that provides much-needed support for many hard-working individuals and their families,” stated State Treasurer Elizabeth Maher Muoio. “Reducing tax burdens and increasing refunds puts money directly into the hands of those who need it most. We urge all New Jerseyans to go online and see if they are eligible.”
The Murphy Administration has recently expanded the NJEITC as part of efforts to enhance affordability in New Jersey. These expansions include increasing credit amounts, lowering eligibility age to 18, and extending benefits to seniors aged 65 and older without dependents.
For 2024, the NJEITC corresponds to 40% of the federal Earned Income Tax Credit. For instance, with a federal credit of $4,000, an individual would receive $1,600 from NJEITC. Residents who lived in New Jersey for part of 2024 will have their NJEITC calculated based on residency duration.
To claim NJEITC, filing a New Jersey Resident Income Tax return is necessary even if income falls below the state's minimum threshold. Eligibility requires:
- Qualification for a 2024 federal Earned Income Tax Credit or meeting federal criteria except age limits;
- Residency in New Jersey for some part of the tax year with earned income;
- Having a qualifying child or being at least 18 years old;
- Meeting income limits according to filing status;
- Possessing a valid Social Security number along with any spouse or qualifying child listed on the return.
The Division of Taxation also offers free tax forms and electronic filing options online. Information about free tax preparation assistance is available for low- to moderate-income individuals, people with disabilities, non-English-speaking residents, and adults over 60 at njeitc.nj.gov.
