Applications for the first-half 2026 Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) close on September 15. Households seeking to receive the credit based on their first-half earned income must verify their eligibility and income/asset requirements in advance and complete the procedure within the period.

■ Application Period The half-year application period for the first-half 2026 EITC runs from September 1 to September 15.

■ Eligibility and Requirements The half-year application system is designed for employed workers to receive the credit more quickly. Applicants must meet both household type and income/asset criteria.

Household types are categorized into single-member, single-earner, and dual-earner households, and only one person per household may apply. Before applying, applicants must verify their household composition, combined spousal income, and asset requirements.

• Income requirement: Combined spousal income for both 2025 and 2026 must be below the threshold set for the applicable household type.
• Asset requirement: The total assets of household members must be less than 240 million won.

Simply having earned income does not guarantee receipt of the credit; statutory requirements such as income and assets must be met.

■ Payment Timing and Method Those who apply for the first-half credit will initially receive 35% of the estimated annual amount. Payment is scheduled for the end of December 2026. Once income and other factors are finalized, additional payments or settlement procedures may follow based on the annual EITC calculation.

■ How to Apply Application methods may vary depending on whether an application guidance letter was received.

• If you received the letter: You can apply using the individual certification number provided.
• If you did not receive the letter: You can apply by confirming the relevant procedures, provided you meet the eligibility requirements.

Online applications are available through the National Tax Service's Hometax system, and phone-based application methods are also offered. Those who have difficulty applying directly can seek assistance through tax offices. For EITC inquiries, the NTS call center is available.

■ Precautions As the application deadline is September 15, eligible individuals should verify their household type and income/asset requirements in advance. In particular, since half-year and regular applications differ in eligibility and settlement methods, applicants should check whether their income type qualifies for half-year application.

The EITC is a system designed to encourage work and support real income by providing payments to worker households below a certain income level. Not all applicants will receive payments; final payment decisions and amounts are determined after the National Tax Service's eligibility review.

[The EITC's application requirements, payment amounts, and payment schedules may vary depending on individual income and assets, as well as changes to the system. Before applying, be sure to check the National Tax Service's Hometax and official guidance materials. This article is intended to provide general information and bears no legal responsibility for individual application outcomes. AI assistance was used in part.]