When applying for this year's Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), it is important to clearly distinguish between a 'late application' and a 'half-year application.' This is because the two systems are entirely different, from the point at which income is earned to the eligible recipients and payment methods. To prevent confusion, the application periods and conditions for each are clearly outlined below.

• *[Subtitle] 2025 Tax Year EITC 'Late Application' (Deadline: December 1, 2026)**
• The late application currently underway is a process for households that missed the regular application for the 2025 tax year EITC and Child Tax Credit.
• Application Period: June 2, 2026 to December 1, 2026
• Payment Conditions: Unlike the regular application, recipients will only receive 95% of the credit amount calculated through National Tax Service (NTS) screening. Even if the application is delayed, eligibility is not immediately revoked; however, 5% is deducted from the assessed amount.
• Payment Timing: Within 4 months from the date of application
• If this period is also missed, you cannot apply for the credit based on 2025 income, so be sure to check the deadline.

• *[Subtitle] September 'Half-Year Application' Targets 2026 Income**
• The half-year application starting this September is not an additional application period for the 2025 tax year credit. It is a separate schedule based on earned income generated during the first half of 2026 (January–June).
• First Half of 2026 Income: Apply from September 1 to September 15, 2026
• Second Half of 2026 Income: Apply from March 1 to March 15, 2027
• The half-year application can only be selected by individuals who have only 'earned income' in 2026. Those with business or clergy income are not eligible for the half-year application and must use the regular application process based on annual income.

If you apply for the first half in September, the second half application for the following March will be processed automatically. For the first half, 35% of the annual assessed amount will be paid provisionally by December 30, 2026, and a final settlement (additional payment or recovery) will be made in June 2027 by reflecting annual income and asset requirements once again.

• *[Subtitle] Income and Asset Requirements for Late Application Eligibility**
• Those currently preparing for a late application must first check the income requirements for the 2025 tax year.
• Total Income Requirement: The combined annual total income of the married couple must be less than 22 million KRW for single-person households, 32 million KRW for single-earner households, and 44 million KRW for dual-earner households. (Those equal to or exceeding these amounts are excluded.)
• Asset Requirement: As of June 1, 2025, the total assets of all household members must be less than 240 million KRW. (This includes housing, land, buildings, deposits, automobiles, jeonse deposits, financial assets, securities, and membership rights. Loans and liabilities are not deducted.)

However, if total assets are between 170 million KRW or more and less than 240 million KRW, only 50% of the assessed credit will be paid even if the income requirements are met. Combined with the previously mentioned deduction for late applications (95% payment), the maximum payment amount displayed online may differ from the actual amount received.

[Subtitle] Application Methods and Precautions Not receiving an NTS notice does not necessarily mean you are ineligible. If you meet the requirements, you can verify your income and asset data and apply directly through Hometax (PC or mobile) after identity verification. Applications via Automated Response Service (ARS) are also possible. Even if you receive a notice, the final amount is determined after NTS screening.

If direct application is difficult, you can request application assistance from the Tax Credit Call Center or tax office staff on weekdays from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

The most critical aspect of the EITC application is the 'tax year.' If you missed the regular application for the 2025 tax year, you must complete a 'late application' by December 1, 2026, and keep in mind that the September 'half-year application' is a separate procedure for the first half of 2026 earned income and cannot serve as a substitute.

[※ This is an AI-assisted article. The information provided in this article is intended for general informational purposes and does not constitute financial advice. Volatility is high, and any losses are your own responsibility. Please ensure careful review and seek professional advice before making any decisions. This publication bears no legal or financial responsibility for the information provided.]