COLUMBUS, OH (April 22, 2025) — U.S. Representatives Mike Carey (R-OH-15) and Danny K. Davis (D-IL-07), both members of the House Ways and Means Committee, have reintroduced the EITC for Older Workers Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at eliminating the current age cap on eligibility for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).
Under current law, only workers between the ages of 25 and 65 are eligible for the EITC. The proposed legislation would remove this upper age limit, allowing millions of older Americans to continue benefiting from the tax credit as they remain in the workforce.
“America’s workforce has changed significantly since the EITC was created in 1975,” Rep. Carey said. “More Americans are working past the traditional retirement age, and our tax policy should reflect that reality. I’m proud to lead this bipartisan, common-sense effort to support older workers in Ohio and across the nation.”
Rep. Davis echoed the need for change, noting the growing number of older individuals still active in the labor force. “The EITC is a powerful tool to reduce poverty and reward work,” Davis said. “With workers aged 65 and older being one of the fastest-growing groups in the workforce, this bill ensures they continue receiving the support they deserve.”
The legislation has gained support from several national advocacy groups:
- AARP: Senior VP of Government Affairs Bill Sweeney praised the bill for promoting financial security among aging workers. “Turning 65 should not trigger a tax hike for low-income earners,” Sweeney said.
- Critical Labor Coalition: Executive Director Misty Chally highlighted the role of experienced older workers in addressing labor shortages.
- Golden State Opportunity: President Amy Everitt emphasized the urgent need to address rising poverty rates among older Americans.
Ohio’s Aging Workforce
Nearly 16 percent of Ohioans over age 65 are still working, and nearly half of those born between 1946 and 1960 plan to work past age 70 or have no plans to retire, according to recent studies.
The EITC is a refundable tax credit designed to help low- to moderate-income workers and families reduce their tax burden. The proposed expansion ensures that aging workers who remain employed are not penalized due to an arbitrary age cutoff.
Full text of the legislation can be found here.
