Child Tax Credit
U.S. Department of the Treasury
What is Child Tax Credit?
The Child Tax Credit program can reduce the Federal tax you owe by $1,000 for each qualifying child under the age of 17.
Important changes to the Child Tax Credit will help many families receive advance payments of the credit starting in summer 2021. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will pay half the total credit amount in advance monthly payments beginning July 15, 2021. You will claim the other half when you file your 2021 income tax return. These changes apply to tax year 2021 only.
Administration
Child Tax Credit is administered by U.S. Department of the Treasury.
Program Requirements
To be eligiblefor this benefit program, the child you are claiming the credit for must be under the age of 17.
A qualifying child must be a son, daughter, foster child, brother, sister, stepbrother, stepsister, or a descendant of any of them (for example, your grandchild, niece, or nephew). An adopted child, lawfully placed with you for legal adoption, is always treated as your own child.
Visit IRS’s website to view unique eligibility criteria for Advanced Child Tax Credit Payments in 2021.
Application Details
What is the application process for Child Tax Credit?
No application is needed to use this program. However, you must file your taxes using the guidelines posted on the Schedule 8812 (Form 1040 or 1040A, Child tax Credit page.
Based on the tax information you provided, the IRS will determine if you qualify and automatically enroll you for advance payments in 2021. You do not need to take any additional action to get advance payments.
If you aren’t required to file a tax return and haven’t given IRS your information already, you will need to submit some basic information to receive the Child Tax Credit. Use the non-filer sign-up tool by November 15, 2021.