A deduction reduces adjusted gross income to determine taxable income. A credit can reduce total tax.

A deduction reduces total income to determine adjusted gross income. A credit can reduce total tax.

A credit reduces total income to determine adjusted gross income. A deduction increases payments.

A deduction always lowers the amount of earned income credit while a credit will increase the amount of earned income credit.

A deduction reduces the taxable income. A credit increases taxable income