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May 18, 2024
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Need help with filing taxes earned in a work release center in Florida.

  • May 18, 2024
  • 2 replies
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I was in prison in 2023 and got sent to a work release center, got a job and paid federal taxes in the amount of 453 dollars( I was only there a month). So when I got out I filed my taxes and have been waiting on my return for 2 months, got a letter from IRS and it says the money I made doesn't qualify for earned income credit. Did I click something wrong, I don't understand how I paid federal taxes and are they not going to recognize any income while locked up or just earned income credit. Any help or information is beneficial to me as I'm not hip with taxes, I pay TurboTax and always get my return till this year. Thank you in advance 

    Best answer by Critter-3

    Yes you made an error ... after you entered the W-2 you did not click the box for ...

    "Inmate or lived in a halfway house" which would have blocked you from getting the EIC... the IRS caught and
    corrected this error for you. 
     
     

    2 replies

    Critter-3
    Critter-3Answer
    May 18, 2024

    Yes you made an error ... after you entered the W-2 you did not click the box for ...

    "Inmate or lived in a halfway house" which would have blocked you from getting the EIC... the IRS caught and
    corrected this error for you. 
     
     
    May 18, 2024

    I believe that you were told that by mistake.  Money made while incarcerated does not count as earned income, but money earned in a work release program does.  Call the IRS and get it straightened out.  TurboTax cannot do that.

    Critter-3
    May 18, 2024

    Work release and half way houses are considered still being in prison for the EIC.