05/26/2021
IMPORTANT CHANGES TO THE CHILD TAX CREDIT FOR 2021 ONLY!
The Advance Child Tax Credit for 2021, is a one-year tax credit, that is based on your 2020 tax return (or 2019 if you have not filed 2020). For children ages 5 and under, the child tax credit for 2021 will be $3,600 (up $600 from 2020). For children ages 6 to 17, the credit is now $3,000 (up $1000 from 2020).
Families claiming one child under the age of 5 in 2021, and are within their income limits, will receive a $3,600 child tax credit. Half of which will be distributed monthly ($300 per month) from July through December, while the other half will be claimed on the 2021 tax return next year.
The flip side is if a family files in 2021 and took the credit, but found they were not eligible due to a higher income limit, the credit must be paid back to the IRS at the time the 2021 taxes are filed.
The income limits are:
• joint filers with an adjusted gross income of $150,000 or less,
• head-of-household with an adjusted gross income of $112,500 or less and
• all other taxpayers with an adjusted gross income of $75,000 or less.
To verify how much one is eligible to receive, please click on this link: https://www.kiplinger.com/taxes/602334/2021-child-tax-credit-calculator, the calculator will be available on the IRS website very soon.
For anyone who believes their income for 2021 will be higher than 2020, we recommend you opt out now. Remember, if you are found not to be eligible, the credit must be paid back to the IRS when filing your 2021 taxes. Should one choose to opt out of the credit, please go to https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-payments-in-2021. Changes can be made beginning July, 2021.
For more information about the temporarily increase to the Advance Child Tax Credit for 2021, please click here: https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-payments-in-2021 This link updates regularly when more information becomes available, so check back often.
Please take the time to read the articles to understand the temporary changes to the Advance Child Tax Credit for 2021. Distributions will begin July 15, 2021.
Information for taxpayers who may receive advance Child Tax Credit payments in 2021.