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@OzNY wrote:

but it automatically transfers over the 2020 amount. 

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I am hoping it doesn't do that.  It is not allowed to use the 2020 amount.

Yes, if 2019 Earned Income was higher [edited] than 2021 Earned Income, you can use the 2019 Earned Income for the Earned Income Credit.  It does not matter if what you did in 2020.