Do you think people who qualify for the EITC are poor?

[Anonymous]

The average U.S. salary for 2012 was $47,000. The median household income was $50,020.

A salary of $51,567 in San Francisco, California could decrease to $21,948 in Carthage, Missouri. And a salary of $51,567 in Carthage, Missouri should increase to $121,155 in San Francisco, California.

Preview of 2013 Tax Year

Earned Income and adjusted gross income (AGI) must each be less than:

    $46,227 ($51,567 married filing jointly) with three or more qualifying children
    $43,038 ($48.378 married filing jointly) with two qualifying children
    $37,870 ($43,210 married filing jointly) with one qualifying child
    $14,340 ($19,680 married filing jointly) with no qualifying children

Tax Year 2013 maximum credit:

    $6,044 with three or more qualifying children
    $5,372 with two qualifying children
    $3,250 with one qualifying child
    $487 with no qualifying children

Investment income must be $3,300 or less for the year.

[Anonymous]

we arent :) but part of his income isn't taxed so we fall in that category. if it were all taxed we wouldnt get anything but since it isn't we get back 1700.

[boldrumble]

Nope. I get eitc and i have no issues financially. I pay my mortgage, plus all bills for the new place i am living (finances were not a reason why i moved), health ins., 401k, savings, christmas, a car payment, anyand all extras, a vacation club. I mean...i have blow money for everything i have wanted. I am mot even close to poor

[mich.el.le]

Not poor, but not doing well either. 

[CodenameDuchess]

Poor? No. Here, $40,000 is considered middle class.

If we're talking NYC or SoCal, then yeah, it's poor. The problem with EIC is that COL isn't a factor.

[boldrumble]

Nope

Quoting Anonymous:

They are definitely struggling.

[Anonymous - Original Poster]

Okay, but for 2012, someone making $50,271 made too much to qualify. For 2013, you qualify for up to $51,567. For 2009, you could only qualify for $48,279 or less. So, you used to be middle class, and then after a couple years without raises, you're suddenly poor.

Quoting calvinsmommy18: Well by the definitions. Kind of. Idk. I don't reallly think 50K even with 3 kids is really all that poor.

[LilliesValley]

If that is the guidelines then I'm poor!!

Just wish the state govt would acknowledge it to so that we could get pa and insurance. But we make too much for those so we are on a tight budget.

[Anonymous]

Quoting Anonymous:

Yes

[illinoismommy83]

Yes, sorry. No matter how you look at it, a family of 5 who barely makes $50,000 is poor.

[sweetmelissa777]

I dont consider it poor, just low income.