The earned income tax credit is both a federal and a state tax credit for low to moderate-income families. For tax year 2025, the MA credit is 40% of the federal credit. It is refundable, meaning you can get money back, but only if you file your tax return. You must be a MA resident for all or part of the year to claim it.

Another popular refundable MA tax credit is the senior circuit breaker credit. It’s for taxpayers who are 65 years or older, who pay real estate taxes rent in MA. For tax year 2025, the maximum amount is $2,820. The maximum value of your home can’t be more than $1,298,000, and income must fall within certain thresholds.

If you care for a qualifying individual in your home, you may be eligible for the refundable child and family tax credit, which is $440 per qualifying individual. There is no limit on the number of qualifying individuals, which include children under 13, or dependents that are elderly or disabled.

Sometimes the MA DOR may need additional information from you to process your tax return, in which case you may receive a request for information or verification letter. You have 30 days to follow the instructions on the letter and respond. This can be done through the home page of MassTaxConnect, which is the fastest and most secure way to transmit the necessary information.