As more people await the results of their Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) applications, statistics have confirmed that recipients are concentrated in specific age groups and household types.

Receipt Status by Age... Those Aged 60+ and Under 20 Account for 73.9%

According to data from December 2025, EITC recipients are heavily skewed toward both ends of the age spectrum. Those aged 60 and above accounted for 53.7% of all recipients, while those aged 20 and below made up 20.2%, bringing the combined total for these two age groups to 73.9%.

This structure reflects a concentration of recipients among those aged 60 and above, many of whom participate in senior employment programs, and those aged 20 and below, many of whom are young entrants to the workforce. Meanwhile, those in their 30s to 50s — the most economically active demographic — each accounted for only 6–11%, showing a relatively low proportion with an even distribution.

By Household Type... Single-Person Households Account for 2 Out of 3

By household type, single-person households numbered 740,000 (64.8%), accounting for roughly two out of every three recipients. Single-earner households totaled 350,000 (31.0%) and dual-earner households stood at 50,000 (4.2%), maintaining a structure similar to the previous year.

This statistically confirms the trend in which EITC benefits are concentrated in age groups with large populations of single-person households and economically inactive individuals.

Procedures to Check While Awaiting Screening Results

Those who have completed their applications should attend to several procedures while waiting for the results.

• Processing status inquiry: Can be checked via Hometax or Sontax.
• Response to requests for additional documents: If the National Tax Service requests additional documents, failure to submit them within the deadline may delay payment.
• Account verification: If the account entered at the time of application has been closed or changed, deposits may be delayed or require a separate notification process, so it is advisable to verify in advance.

Special Reminders for Semi-Annual Applicants

Semi-annual applicants should be particularly mindful that the amount initially paid based on first- and second-half income may be adjusted during the subsequent comprehensive screening when it is compared against actual income.

Asset requirements are also important. If the total assets of all household members exceed the threshold, the payment may be reduced or the household may be excluded from eligibility. It is therefore advisable to review real estate, financial assets, vehicles, and other assets in advance.

Notification of Screening Results and Return Guidelines

Screening results are notified via text message or Hometax, and the screening period may vary depending on the type of application.

If errors are found in the reported income or asset information after screening, or if it is revealed that eligibility requirements are not met, recipients may be required to return part or all of the credit already received. If a fraudulent application is detected, additional penalties may apply.

[※ This article is intended to provide general understanding of the Earned Income Tax Credit system. Actual eligibility for payment and the amount disbursed may vary based on the results of the National Tax Service screening. As policy details are subject to change, please be sure to check official announcements from the National Tax Service and Hometax. Legal and financial responsibility rests with the individual. This article was produced with the assistance of AI.]