Tax Benefits and Credits Available to Missouri Immigrants in 2025

Key Takeaways

• Missouri Working Family Credit increases to 20% of federal EITC for 2025 tax year.
• Federal Child Tax Credit stays at $2,500 per child with SSN requirements through 2025.
• New intern/apprentice hiring tax credit available for Missouri employers, including immigrant workers.

As of July 2025, important updates have taken effect for immigrants living and working in Missouri who are seeking tax relief through state and federal programs. These changes affect the Missouri Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), The Child Tax Credit, and other state-level tax credits. Understanding these updates is essential for immigrants, mixed-status families, and employers who want to make the most of available benefits and avoid missing out due to eligibility rules or new requirements.

Below is a clear summary of what has changed, who is affected, the effective dates, required actions, and the implications for pending or future applications. This guide will help you understand your next steps and how these changes may impact your family or business.

Summary of What Changed in 2025

• Missouri Working Family Credit (state EITC) increased to 20% of the federal EITC For the 2025 tax year, up from 10% in previous years.
• Eligibility for both the federal and Missouri EITC remains tied to having a valid Social Security Number (SSN) for the taxpayer and any qualifying children. This continues to exclude many undocumented immigrants and some mixed-status families.
• The federal Child Tax Credit (CTC) remains at $2,500 per child for 2025, but strict SSN requirements for both parents and children are still in place. These requirements are set to expire at the end of 2025 unless Congress acts.
• Missouri does not offer a separate state-level child tax credit; families rely on the federal CTC for child-related tax relief.
• A new intern and apprentice hiring tax credit is available to Missouri employers who hire qualified interns or apprentices, including eligible immigrant workers.
• No new state-level tax credits specifically target immigrants, but those who meet federal requirements can benefit from existing programs.

Let’s break down each of these updates in detail, explain who is affected, and outline the steps you need to take to claim these credits.

Missouri Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Missouri Working Family Credit

The Missouri Working Family Credit is Missouri’s version of the Earned Income Tax Credit. It is designed to help low- and moderate-income workers, including many immigrants, by reducing the amount of state tax owed. For the 2025 tax year (returns filed by April 2026), the Missouri Working Family Credit is set at 20% of the federal EITC. This is a significant increase from the previous 10%, meaning eligible families can receive more help with their state tax bill.

Who is eligible?

• You must have earned income from a job, self-employment, or employer-paid disability benefits.
• You must file a federal tax return and claim the federal EITC.
• You must have a valid SSN for yourself, your spouse (if filing jointly), and any children you claim for the credit.
• Your income must fall below certain limits, which depend on your family size and filing status.

Income limits and credit amounts for 2025:

Important details:

• The Missouri Working Family Credit is nonrefundable. This means it can lower your state tax bill to zero, but you will not get any leftover amount as a refund.
• If you do not owe state taxes, you will not receive a payment from this credit.
• The credit is only available if you qualify for the federal EITC, so the same rules and restrictions apply.

What does this mean for immigrants?

• Immigrants with valid SSNs who file federal taxes can claim both the federal EITC and the Missouri Working Family Credit.
• If you file taxes using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead of an SSN, you are not eligible for the federal EITC or the Missouri credit.
• Undocumented immigrants without SSNs are excluded from these credits.
• Mixed-status families (where one parent or child does not have an SSN) may also be excluded, depending on who is listed on the tax return.

Required actions:

• Make sure you have a valid SSN for yourself, your spouse, and any children you plan to claim.
• File your federal tax return and claim the federal EITC if you qualify.
• File your Missouri state tax return and claim the Missouri Working Family Credit.
• Keep records of your income and SSNs for all family members.

For more details on the Missouri Working Family Credit and how to claim it, visit the Missouri Department of Revenue’s official tax credits page.

Child Tax Credit (CTC) and Immigrant Eligibility in Missouri

The Child Tax Credit is a federal program that helps families with children reduce their tax bill. For 2025, the credit is set at $2,500 per child, but the rules for who can claim it are strict.

Key eligibility requirements:

• The child you claim must have a valid SSN.
• Both parents must also have valid SSNs.
• The credit is partially refundable, meaning you may get some money back even if you owe no taxes, but only up to a certain limit.
• The credit amount phases out at higher income levels.

What’s new or changing?

• The SSN requirement for both parents and children is set to expire at the end of 2025 unless Congress extends it or changes the law.
• If the SSN requirement is not changed, many immigrant families—especially those where one parent or child does not have an SSN—will lose eligibility for the credit starting in 2026.
• Some lawmakers have proposed raising the credit to $2,200 but keeping or tightening the SSN rules, which would continue to exclude many immigrant and mixed-status families.

Missouri’s position:

• Missouri does not offer a separate state-level child tax credit. Families in Missouri rely on the federal Child Tax Credit for this type of tax relief.

Impact on immigrants:

• Immigrant families with valid SSNs for both parents and children can claim the federal Child Tax Credit.
• Families where one or more members use an ITIN cannot claim the credit under current rules.
• Mixed-status families are at risk of losing this benefit if the SSN requirement continues or becomes stricter.
• The debate over these rules is ongoing, and changes could happen in late 2025 or 2026.

Required actions:

• Ensure all family members have valid SSNs if you plan to claim the Child Tax Credit.
• Monitor news from Congress about possible changes to the SSN requirement.
• File your federal tax return and claim the credit if you qualify.

For official information about the federal Child Tax Credit, visit the IRS Child Tax Credit page.

Other Missouri State Tax Credits and Programs Relevant to Immigrants

While the Missouri Working Family Credit and the federal Child Tax Credit are the main programs affecting immigrant families, there are a few other credits and programs to be aware of:

Intern and Apprentice Hiring Tax Credit:

• Starting January 1, 2024, Missouri offers a $1,500 tax credit to employers for each qualified intern or apprentice they hire.
• This credit is nonrefundable and cannot be carried forward or sold.
• It is aimed at employers, not individual workers, but it can benefit immigrants who are legally authorized to work and are hired as interns or apprentices.
• Employers must meet specific requirements, and the intern or apprentice must also meet certain qualifications.

No specific immigrant-targeted credits:

• Missouri does not offer any state tax credits that are specifically for immigrants or immigrant families.
• Immigrants who meet the federal requirements and file taxes properly can benefit from the credits described above.

Summary Table: Eligibility and Restrictions for Immigrants in Missouri (2025)

Implications for Pending Applications and Future Planning

If you are an immigrant or part of a mixed-status family in Missouri, these updates have several important implications:

• If you are planning to claim the Earned Income Tax Credit or Missouri Working Family Credit for 2025, make sure everyone listed on your tax return has a valid SSN. If you do not have an SSN, you will not be eligible for these credits.
• If you are relying on the Child Tax Credit, pay close attention to possible changes in Congress regarding the SSN requirement. If the rules change, your eligibility could be affected for the 2026 tax year and beyond.
• Employers who hire immigrant interns or apprentices should review the requirements for the new hiring tax credit and make sure all paperwork is in order to claim the credit.
• If you have a pending application for an SSN or are in the process of adjusting your immigration status, keep in mind that your eligibility for these credits depends on having a valid SSN by the time you file your taxes.

Background and Context

Missouri’s decision to increase the Working Family Credit to 20% of the federal EITC is part of a broader effort to help low-income workers, including immigrants who qualify under federal rules. This change means more money in the pockets of eligible families, but only if they meet the strict SSN and filing requirements.

The federal Child Tax Credit has gone through several changes in recent years, especially during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Temporary expansions helped many families, but stricter rules—especially the SSN requirement introduced by the Trump-era Tax Cuts and Jobs Act—have made it harder for some immigrant families to qualify. These rules are still being debated in Congress, and their future remains uncertain.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, immigrant advocacy groups are pushing for expanded access to tax credits for families who file taxes with ITINs and for mixed-status families. However, some lawmakers want to keep or even tighten the current restrictions, arguing that tax credits should only go to those with legal status.

Official Resources and Where to Get Help

If you need more information or help with your taxes, here are some trusted resources:

• Missouri Department of Revenue: Find details on state tax credits, eligibility, and how to file at the Missouri Department of Revenue’s tax credits page.
• IRS: For federal EITC and Child Tax Credit rules, visit the IRS EITC page and IRS Child Tax Credit page.
• Missouri Department of Economic Development: For information on the intern/apprentice tax credit.
• Immigrant Advocacy Organizations: Groups like La Unión del Pueblo Entero can help with tax filing and understanding eligibility.

Actionable Takeaways and Next Steps

• Check your SSN status: Make sure you, your spouse, and your children have valid SSNs if you want to claim the Earned Income Tax Credit, Missouri Working Family Credit, or Child Tax Credit.
• File your taxes on time: The deadline for 2025 tax returns is April 2026. Gather your documents early and seek help if you are unsure about your eligibility.
• Stay informed: Watch for updates from Congress about possible changes to the Child Tax Credit and SSN requirements.
• Employers: If you hire interns or apprentices, review the requirements for the new tax credit and keep proper records.
• Seek help if needed: If you are unsure about your eligibility or how to file, reach out to trusted organizations or tax professionals who understand the needs of immigrants in Missouri.

By following these steps and staying up to date on changes, immigrants in Missouri can make the most of available tax benefits and avoid missing out on important credits that can help support their families.

Learn Today

Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) → A federal tax credit for low-income workers to reduce tax liability and increase refunds.
Social Security Number (SSN) → A unique identifier required for taxpayers and qualifying children to claim certain tax credits.
Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) → A tax processing number for non-eligible individuals without SSNs, not qualifying for EITC.
Child Tax Credit (CTC) → A federal credit worth up to $2,500 per qualifying child to reduce tax owed.
Missouri Working Family Credit → State tax credit equal to 20% of federal EITC aimed at low- to moderate-income taxpayers.

This Article in a Nutshell

Missouri’s 2025 tax updates increase the Working Family Credit to 20% of the federal EITC. Immigrants with valid SSNs can benefit. Strict SSN rules affect Child Tax Credit eligibility. A new tax credit helps employers hiring interns or apprentices, including eligible immigrant workers.
— By VisaVerge.com