Don’t Miss These Tax Credits: How a CPA Can Boost Your Refund in 2025

Don’t Miss Out: How Tax Credits Can Put More Money in Your Pocket

Tax season can be confusing. But here’s something important that can help many families — tax credits. These credits, like the Child Tax Credit (CTC) and Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), give real money back to people who qualify.

The IRS (that’s the tax agency) and many helpful groups are working hard to make sure people know about these credits. Many families don’t claim them simply because they don’t know they exist.

So let’s talk about what these credits are, how they help, and why having a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) on your side can make a big difference.

What Are Tax Credits?

A tax credit is money that lowers the taxes you owe — and some credits even give you a refund if you don’t owe anything!

Let’s say you owe $500 in taxes. If you get a $1,000 tax credit, not only does it wipe out your $500 bill, but you also get a $500 refund!

There are two main refundable tax credits that many people miss:

1. Child Tax Credit (CTC)

• This credit is for families with kids.
• You can get up to $2,000 per child.
• Even if you don’t owe taxes, you could get up to $1,600 back in a refund.

2. Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

• This credit is for people who work but don’t earn a lot of money.
• You can get up to $7,430, depending on your income and how many kids you have.

That’s a lot of money! But here’s the problem — millions of people don’t claim them.

Why Do People Miss These Tax Credits?

Many people don’t claim these helpful credits because:

• They don’t know they exist.
• They don’t file a tax return.
• They use simple tax software that skips over these credits.
• They are afraid of doing taxes wrong.

That’s why the IRS is trying to spread the word. You could be missing out on thousands of dollars!

How a CPA Can Help

Doing taxes by yourself or with basic software might seem easy. But you could miss important tax savings.

That’s where a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) comes in. A CPA is a tax expert who knows all the rules and how to get you every dollar you deserve.

Here’s how a CPA can help with tax credits:

1. They Know What You Qualify For

CPAs stay up to date with tax laws. They’ll ask the right questions to see if you qualify for the CTC, EITC, or other credits.

2. They File Your Return Correctly

Even one small mistake can mean losing out on a refund. A CPA makes sure your forms are filled out the right way.

3. They Can Help If You Get Audited

If the IRS asks questions, a CPA can help explain everything and support you through the process.

4. They Save You Time and Stress

Let’s face it — taxes are stressful. A CPA takes that off your plate and makes sure everything is done right.

A Real Example: With and Without a CPA

Let’s imagine two families. They both have two kids and make the same amount of money.

Family A: Uses Tax Software

• They file their taxes online by themselves.
• They forget to claim the Earned Income Tax Credit.
• They get a $1,000 refund.

Family B: Uses a CPA

• The CPA asks about their job, income, and kids.
• The CPA finds they qualify for both CTC and EITC.
• They get a $4,500 refund.

That’s a $3,500 difference! All because Family B worked with a CPA who knew what to look for.

How to Get These Tax Credits

If you think you might qualify, here’s what to do:

1. File a Tax Return

Even if you don’t owe anything, you must file to get a refund. Many people skip filing and miss out on free money.

2. Keep Good Records

Save documents like W-2s, 1099s, and records showing your income and children.

3. Ask for Help

A CPA can look at your situation and make sure you get every credit you deserve.

Who Can Get These Credits?

Here’s a quick look:

For the Child Tax Credit:

• You have a child under age 17.
• The child lives with you more than half the year.
• You make less than $200,000 (or $400,000 for married couples).

For the Earned Income Tax Credit:

• You earn money from a job.
• Your income is below a certain level (depends on how many kids you have).
• You are a U.S. citizen or resident.

Even if you don’t have kids, you might still qualify for the EITC if your income is low enough.

Don’t Leave Free Money Behind

The Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit are big boosts for working families. If you qualify and don’t claim them, you’re leaving money on the table.

And the truth is, many people do.

But you don’t have to. Filing with a CPA gives you a better chance of getting the biggest refund possible.

Final Thoughts

You work hard for your money. These tax credits are a way to give some of it back. But only if you know about them and claim them.

Tax software is fast, but it’s not perfect. A CPA gives you a personal touch — someone who understands your situation and knows where to find savings.

So this year, before you file your taxes, think about how much more you could get with the right help.

Don’t miss out. A few questions with a CPA could be worth thousands.