Get an advance of the earned income credit

If you're entitled to the credit, don't wait until you file your return to benefit from it. Tell your employer to include a portion of it in every paycheck throughout the year. File Form W-5 with your employer (not with the IRS) so you can increase your take-home pay. Don't know if you're eligible for this credit? Just answer a few yes/no questions in the instructions to W-5 to find out.