How Expanded Child Tax Credit Helps Families

Parents and those responsible for raising children will get some extra financial help this year because of the expanded child tax credit funded by the American Rescue Plan.

The Internal Revenue Service will use information from 2020 tax returns to determine who receives the extra funds. Similar to the stimulus checks issued earlier this year, the money will be automatically deposited. No additional steps need to be taken.

Here are some things you should know:

1. If you haven’t filed taxes yet, you may still have time.

Julie Kerksick, a senior policy advocate at the Public Policy Institute at Community Advocates, said there will be special portals on the IRS website that allow people to file their taxes in order to receive the credit. She expects these portals will be launched by the end of June.

2. How much money can I get?

Typically, the child tax credit gives $2,000 per year for each child on your tax return. The expanded credit will give $3,600 per year for each child from birth to 5 years old, and $3,000 for each child ages 6 to 17.

The amount will be reduced for married taxpayers filing a joint tax return with an income over $150,000, for head-of-household tax filers with an income over $112,500 and for single taxpayers over $75,000.

3. When can I expect to get the money?

The money will be paid in monthly installments beginning July 15. The expanded credit only runs from July to December, meaning you won’t get a full year’s worth of benefits. During a roundtable discussion earlier this month, Kerksick said there is an effort underway to make the changes permanent.

4. Grandparents raising kids should apply

Susan Conwell, executive director of Kids Matter, which helps neglected youth throughout Milwaukee, said that some grandparents may qualify for the tax credit.

“One thing they need to make clear is that they’re raising children,” Conwell emphasized

5. Who benefits from this?

The Internal Revenue Service estimates about 88% of children in the U.S. will benefit from the increase. Jon Peacock, research director at Kids Forward, a Madison-based child advocate group, said in a roundtable discussion with U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin and other Wisconsin community leaders that roughly half of the recipients in Wisconsin will be children of color.

Kerksick said:  “This extra money could be the difference between keeping a roof over your head, putting gas in your car, being able to buy food.”

6. What can I do if I have questions about the process?

Kerksick said those with questions can contact her at jkerksick@communityadvocates.net. Those inquiring about the tax credit should put “CTC question” in the subject line of the email.

Families with children could soon get extra financial help. Here’s what you need to know about the expanded child tax credit was originally published by Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service.