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HB 708

Earned Income Tax Credit - Individuals Without Qualifying Children - Eligibility

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jheanelle Wilkins

HB 708 extends Maryland's Earned Income Tax Credit to childless workers, providing tax relief to low-income individuals currently excluded from the program.

Hearing 2/13 at 1:00 p.m.
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Bill Summary · HB 708

Legislative bill overview

HB 708 expands Maryland's Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) to include individuals without qualifying children, a population currently ineligible for the federal EITC and most state versions. The bill would extend tax credit eligibility to low-income workers who don't have dependent children, addressing a significant gap in the state's tax support structure for working people.

Why is this important

Childless workers earning low wages face higher effective tax rates than their counterparts with children, despite having similar financial hardship. This expansion could provide meaningful financial relief to an estimated 200,000+ Maryland residents while potentially incentivizing workforce participation among this demographic. The bill addresses income inequality among the working poor, a group often overlooked in tax policy discussions.

Potential points of contention

  • Revenue impact: The bill's cost to Maryland's budget remains unclear; expanding tax credits reduces state revenue and requires offsetting funding sources or budget reallocation
  • Age and income eligibility thresholds: Determining who qualifies (age minimums, maximum income levels) affects program scope and cost; different thresholds create different winners and losers
  • Administrative burden: State tax systems must be modified to track and process a new category of filers, increasing compliance costs for both taxpayers and revenue agencies

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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