Rule 10. You Must Be at
Least Age 25 but Under Age 65

You must be at least age 25 but under age 65 at the end of 2001. If you are married filing a joint return, either you or your spouse must be at least age 25 but under age 65 at the end of 2001. It does not matter which spouse meets the age test, as long as one of the spouses does.

If neither you nor your spouse meets the age test, you cannot claim the EIC. Put "No" directly to the right of line 61a (Form 1040) or line 39a (Form 1040A), or on line 9b (Form 1040EZ).

Example 1. Age You are age 28 and unmarried. You meet the age test.

Example 2. You are married and filing a joint return. You are age 23 and your spouse is age 27. You meet the age test because your spouse is at least age 25 but under age 65.

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