Child Tax Credit Information

As part of the new federal stimulus plan, parents and guardians with children or dependents can claim the Child Tax Credit when filing their 2020 taxes. Families must file their taxes by May 17 to receive the extra dollars they are entitled to. 

How to qualify for the Child Tax Credit:

• Your income must be below $112,500 if you are filing as a head of household. 
  
• Your income must be below $150,000 if you are joint filers.  
  
• You must have provided at least half of the child’s support during last year.
  
• Your child must have lived with you for at least half of the year (six months or more). 
  
• Most importantly, you must file your taxes before May 17.
  

What payments to expect:  

• $3,600 total for each child under 6 years old; $3,000 total for each child under 18 years old.
  
• The federal government will pay out these sums in monthly cash payments starting in July 2021. 
  
• Children aged 18-24 may also qualify for $500 if they are still claimed as dependents, so make sure to file all children and dependents. 
  

How to claim:  

• File your taxes by May 17.
  
• Use trusted sources to avoid scams — GetYourRefund (www.getyourrefund.org) works with IRS-certified volunteer tax preparers who will help you prepare your taxes for free. 
  
• If you have no income, you can still receive the Child Tax Credit as long as you file your taxes by May 17. 
  
• If you have not received a stimulus check, you can still file your taxes to claim this credit as long as you file by May 17.