We usually think of taxes as money we pay — but the government also gives cash back. Korea's Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC, 근로장려금) and Child Tax Credit (자녀장려금) support low-income working households, and many eligible people miss out simply by not knowing. Here are the 2026 rules, amounts, and how to apply.
Two credits, what's the difference
| Item | EITC (근로장려금) | Child credit (자녀장려금) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Support low-income workers | Support child-rearing |
| Who | Single/single-earner/dual-earner | Household with child under 18 |
| Max | 1.65M–3.3M won by household | Up to 1M won per child |
| Both | You can receive both if eligible | |
EITC — how much, who
| Household | Total income under | Max payment |
|---|---|---|
| Single | 22M won | 1.65M won |
| Single-earner | 32M won | 2.85M won |
| Dual-earner | 44M won | 3.3M won |
Payments rise at very low incomes then taper off, so these are maximums.
Child credit — up to 1M won per child
- Who — combined spousal income under 70M won with a child under 18.
- Amount — 0.5M–1M won per child, by income.
- Its income cap is higher than EITC's, so you may qualify for it even if not for EITC.
Shared requirements — income + assets
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Income | Within the household caps above |
| Assets | Household assets under 240M won |
| Reduction | 170M–240M won → only 50% paid |
Assets include housing, jeonse deposits, land, savings, and cars — high assets can disqualify or halve the credit even with low income.
When to apply — May matters
- Regular filing — every May; usually paid Aug–Sep.
- Semi-annual — wage-only households can also file in Mar/Sep.
- Late filing — possible after May but reduced 10%.
- How — Hometax/Sontax, ARS, or the number on your notice.
Watch for smishing — never tap links in "tax refund" texts; go to Hometax directly or call 126.
Example: single-earner with two kids
A single-earner household with two children under 18 (income 30M, assets 150M): ① within the 32M single-earner cap → EITC eligible; ② under 70M combined → child credit for both kids (up to 2M); ③ assets under 170M → no reduction; ④ file together in May, paid Aug–Sep. Missing it means leaving millions of won unclaimed.
FAQ
Can I get both?
Yes — if eligible for each. The child credit's higher income cap means you may get it even when EITC doesn't apply.
Do part-timers/freelancers qualify?
Yes — business income counts too. Only income/asset limits matter (freelancer refunds).
Missed the deadline?
Late filing is possible but reduced 10% — still better than nothing.
These credits are the classic "missed because unknown." Stay under the income/asset limits, apply once in May, and you can receive millions of won.
This is general tax information; actual amounts depend on your income, assets, and household. Confirm at Hometax or the tax helpline (126). See also dependent deductions and finding unclaimed refunds.
