2023-2024 Child Tax Credit (CTC) Refund Payments Status – Latest Updates and News

The Child Tax Credit (CTC) has returned to pre-pandemic levels. This means that the maximum credit will return to $2,000 per child.

Families must have at least $3,000 in earned income to claim any portion of the credit and can receive a refund worth 15 percent of earnings above $3,000, up to $1,600 per child (Additional CTC).

See below for the latest income thresholds for getting the full CTC payment. You can also see past updates updates to the CTC in the sections below or in this updated article for the latest updates.

Get your biggest tax refund, guaranteed. Get started today.

Tax YearMax Tax Credit AmountRefundable CTC MaxIncome Threshold Lower Limit (reduced/phased-out by $20 for each $1,000 of income above the income threshold)Maximum Income Threshold Above which no credit is claimable
2024$2,000$1,700$400,000 (joint return), $200,000 (individual and other filing status')$440,000 (joint return), $240,000 (individual and other filing status')
2023$2,000$1,600$400,000 (joint return), $200,000 (individual and other filing status')$440,000 (joint return), $240,000 (individual and other filing status')
2022$2,000$1,500$400,000 (joint return), $200,000 (individual and other filing status')$440,000 (joint return), $240,000 (individual and other filing status')
2021 (revised under ARP)$3,000 (6 to 18), $3,600 (under 6)N/A$150,000 (joint return), $75,000 (individual and other filing status')$440,000 (joint return), $240,000 (individual and other filing status')
2021$2,000$1,400$400,000 (joint return), $200,000 (individual and other filing status')$440,000 (joint return), $240,000 (individual and other filing status')

Get the latest money, tax and stimulus news directly in your inbox

Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) vs Regular Child Tax Credit (CTC)

The ACTC and CTC were two different credits a few years ago. The CTC was a $2000 non-refundable credit that allowed eligible tax payers with dependents to lower their tax liability, and not necessarily get a refund if they didn’t have a tax liability.

The ACTC was a supplementary refundable tax credit to allow people who had no tax liability to claim up to $1500 as a (refundable) payment.

Recent tax reform simplified and combined these credits to expand the overall payment to $3,000. It also allowed more taxpayers to take advantage of them by lowering the earned income threshold and raising the phase-out levels.

Guidance for Claiming the CTC in 2021-2022

The IRS has now processed the sixth (December) and final round of advance 2021 monthly payments for the expanded Child Tax Credit (CTC) to parents and guardians with eligible dependents. The advance payments accounted for 50% of the credit you were due, with the remainder (and any adjustments) to be claimed via your 2021 tax filing.

See the relevant sections and comments below for more details and FAQs around the CTC credit, 2022 refund payment delays and whether this payment will continue in 2022. This article is regularly updated and you can stay connected via the free subscription options below.

With the tax filing season now underway (see key dates) families should have gotten their official IRS CTC payment notice (a.k.a Letter 6419) by the end o January. This letter from the IRS provides all the official payment and coverage details around the advance child tax credit that will be helpful for your tax return filing.

Since 50% of the CTC payments in 2021 were an advance payment on what you normally would get paid via your 2021-2022 tax filing, you may have to pay more in taxes (or get a lower refund) if your income was much higher than in your past tax returns or submitted CTC portal information, which is what the IRS used to estimate your payment.

What I I didn’t get the advance CTC payments?

If you didn’t receive one or more monthly advance Child Tax Credit payments in 2021 for a qualifying child, you can still receive those payments –and the remaining amount of your credit – by claiming the Child Tax Credit for that child when you file a 2021 tax return during the 2022 tax filing season. This includes families who don’t normally need to file a return or had a change of dependents in 2021.

Most major tax software providers (I recommend TurboTax or efile for a lower cost filing option) will have step-by-step instructions to help you figure out your CTC tax filing calculations and ensure you get the second half of your payment in your tax refund payment.

If you don’t receive your IRS 6419 letter, you can follow up by calling the IRS or check how much they’ve paid through IRS CTC update portal.

Note that as in previous years, the CTC refund payment is subject to the PATH act delay. Further the IRS has noted issues with some of the reconciliation 6419 letters.

In particular married spouses are getting separate letters but need to ensure they combine amounts if filing jointly. Another error was with a small group of taxpayers who moved or changed bank accounts in December. The IRS 6419 notice didn’t always account for this payment and so could be under reporting what you got.

The best option is to ensure your 6419 letter and online IRS CTC account reconcile. In fact the IRS guidance is that if they amounts don’t reconcile, go with the total amount reflected on the online IRS account because it has the most up-to-date information regarding the CTC.

Also remember, even if you didn’t receive any advance CTC payments in 2021 or opt out, you might still newly qualify for the full credit. If you had a baby last year, for instance, you can claim the credit when you file your 2021 taxes.

You want to ensure the CTC portion claimed in your 2021-22 Tax return is consistent with that the IRS has. Otherwise your tax return and refund could be held up further for manual IRS verification.

Credit for tax years prior to 2018

Prior to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, the Child Tax Credit and the Additional Child Tax Credit looked a bit different. The Child Tax Credit provided a credit worth up to $1,000 per child. No portion of the credit was refundable, so if it reduced your tax liability to zero, the excess credit had no effect on your refund.

The Additional Child Tax Credit was an entirely separate tax credit, but it applied only to families with earned income above $3,000. Families received a refundable credit equal to 15% of their earned income over that threshold, up to $1,000 per child.

Will the Expanded Monthly Child Tax Credit Continue in 2022?

Under Biden’s Build Back Better spending plan working its way through Congress, the currently expanded Child Tax Credit has provisions for a further one year extension and advance payments in 2022, bringing the total amount paid over 2 years to a maximum of $7,200. The current expanded CTC is a refundable credit, being partially paid in advance in 2021. The rest is claimed in 2022 via your tax return.

The 2022 CTC extension will work in a similar manner to the 2021 payment, expected that it can be paid in advance for all of 2022, meaning an ongoing monthly payment for over 35 million American households. See below for the standard/base payment amounts available over the next 2 years.

Expanded CTC Year Ages 5 and younger credit Ages 6 to 17 Payment
2021$1800**$1500**
2022$1800 + $3600** $1800 + $3000**
** Expanded Child Tax Credit Payments available to be paid monthly

Note: Those who don’t claim the monthly advanced CTC payments, can claim the full or partial amounts in their subsequent year tax returns.

While the final text of the spending package is still to be released and passed (see updates here), it is expected that qualification income thresholds will remain the same as shown below for the current expanded CTC. Any missed payments, should be the bill be approved later in 2022, will be made retroactively.

2021 CTC IRS Payment Dates and Status

Ongoing payments will be made on or about the 15th of every month via direct deposit, mailed checks or debit card. Direct deposit payments are the most efficient way to get this payment. You can see the table below for payment dates and amounts (per dependent) in 2021.

The IRS sent the latest batch of advance monthly payments worth roughly $15 billion to about 35 million families across the country. Nearly 90% were sent by direct deposit.

IRS News Release
Monthly Payment DateBase Payment for 5 and youngerBase Payment for ages 6 to 17
July 15th, 2021 (Paid)$300$250
August 13th, 2021 (Paid)$300$250
September 15th, 2021 (Paid)$300$250
October 15th, 2021 (Paid)$300$250
November 15th, 2021 (Paid)$300$250
December 15th, 2021 (Paid)
(last payment for 2021)
$300$250
After April 15th 2022: Second half of payment
paid via Tax return filing
$1,800$1,500
Advance Monthly CTC Payment Structure and 2021 Schedule

Could the December CTC payment be delayed due to Debt Limit Impasse?

Update (Dec 13th): Congress agreed on a deal to raise debt limit and CTC payments will go out on schedule.

With Congressional Democrats and Republicans haggling over raising the debt limit (for the 101st time!) there is a very real risk the December Child Tax Credit payments could be delayed since these are paid from federal dollars, which are subject to the debt limit.

This last happened in October, but fortunately Congress was able to raise the debt limit in time and payments were not impacted then. But with the Debt limit again due for review in December, there is a risk this could impact upcoming payments. I will continue to monitor and post updates here.

Why is my Child Tax Credit Payment larger than expected?

Many families saw recent payments that were much larger than the standard $250/$300 payments. This is because the IRS is making up missed payments for prior months in future months, once eligibility for the payment is verified and approved.

For example, families who did not get a July or August payment and are getting their first monthly payment in September will still receive their total advance payment for the year of up to $1,800 for each child under age 6 and up to $1,500 for each child ages 6 through 17. This means that the total payment will be spread over four months, rather than six, making each monthly payment larger. For these families, each payment is up to $450 per month for each child under age 6 and up to $375 per month for each child ages 6 through 17.

CTC Qualification and Eligibility Rules

In response to providing support to families during the COVID pandemic, President Biden and the Democrats passed legislation via the American Rescue Plan (ARPA) Stimulus package to expand the current Child Tax Credit (CTC) to $3,000 annually per child (or $250 monthly) between the ages of 6 and 17, while increasing it to $3,600 for children under the age of 6 (infants), equivalent to $300 monthly.

The IRS will make half these payments in advance in 2021 on a monthly basis versus eligible recipients having to claim the credit via their 2021 tax return in 2022. Nearly 70 million children and their families would be eligible for this credit/stimulus in 2021. See more in this YouTube video cover the CTC payment and IRS FAQs.

The Biden expansion raised the maximum benefit by 80% per child for most families and extends it to millions of families whose earnings are too low to fully qualify under existing law. Currently, a quarter of children get a partial benefit, and the poorest 10% get nothing. Key updates and expanded eligibility include:

  • Expands eligibility to 17-year-old children (vs 16 or under per current CTC rules). This means children under the age of 18 as of the end of 2021 (last day of the tax year) would be eligible for this advance refundable credit.
  • Increase the credit to $3,000 per child older than 6 and $3,600 per child under the age of 6.
  • Remove the $2,500 earned income minimum requirement.
  • The expanded CTC stimulus is a fully refundable tax credit – so you don’t have to have taxable income to get it (i.e. not a tax deduction)
  • Half of the credit can be paid in advance between July 2021 to December 2021. Tax payers can choose to get these monthly or opt-out if they want and claim in 2022.

Note that the expanded CTC payment would be in addition to the $1,400 dependent stimulus check (economic impact payment) that is also in the latest stimulus bill. So in total some families could be getting close to $5,000 per child in 2021 with these two payments! See more in this video on how some families could get up to $10K with these credits.

A moderate expansion was also made to the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for 2021, which is available to adults with no dependents. A $500 other dependent payment is also available to adult dependents who don’t qualify for the CTC.

CTC Income Qualification Thresholds

Shown below are the income thresholds below which the full CTC credit is paid. The amount of the credit paid is reduced by $50 for each $1,000 (or 5% of credit) for Taxpayer’s Income (MAGI) exceeds the maximum credit threshold amount. The phase-out is why many eligible recipients are seeing partial CTC payments, even if their incomes are above the full payout thresholds.

2019 or 2020 Tax Filing StatusIncome Below Which Full CTC Is Paid (5% Phase-out applies after this)
Single or Married filing separate$75,000
Head of household$112,500
Married filing jointly$150,000
2021 CTC Stimulus Income Qualification Thresholds

For example, a family with three dependent kids ages 16, 12 and 5 earning less than $120,000 would get up to $800 per month from the IRS from July through December 2021, for a total of $4,800. 

Note: The current CTC, prior to the ARPA expansion, was $2,000 per eligible dependent child under the age of 17. The credit began to phase out for those whose incomes (AGI) are above $200,000 (singles)/$400,000 (joint return). Families that aren’t eligible for the expanded CTC due to income levels or other reasons would still be able to claim the regular/existing CTC credit of $2,000 per child, less the amount of any monthly payments they got in 2021.

2020 or 2019 Tax Year Data Used to Figure Eligibility

The IRS will use the most recent of your 2019 or 2020 tax data (efile for free here) to ensure the latest dependent and payment information can be used. However any dependent 18 or younger at the end of 2021 is eligible for the expanded CTC, which is considered an advanced refundable credit against your 2021 taxes.

The CTC can also be claimed in your 2021 return (filed in 2022) if you prefer to opt-out or unenroll from the monthly payments in 2021.

Non-Filers CTC Tool and Getting the Advance Monthly Payments

Individuals who filed a Federal income tax return for taxable year 2019, including by entering information into the “Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Here” tool last year, do not need to file a tax return to receive the advance child tax credit payment for the 2020 CTC qualifying children shown on that return. However if they need to update income, payment details or dependents – they should file a simple IRS tax return (for free).

Additionally, later this year, the IRS has announced that individuals and families who are not required to file a 2020 tax return will be able be able to use the Child Tax Credit Non-filer Sign-up tool on the IRS site to submit changes in income, update payment details, adjust filing status or number of qualifying children.

Once you submit your information on this tool the IRS will still need to determine your eligibility for the advance payments and to ensure the dependents you are claiming have not being claimed by others who filed a valid 2020 tax return.

How Will Payments be Made?

Ongoing CTC payments will be made on or about the 15th of every month, per the above schedule. Payments will be made via direct deposit, paper check, or debit cards. Direct deposit payments are the most efficient way to get this payment. Your latest tax return payment details will likely be used for making these payments.

CTC Payment Confirmation (Direct Depoist)
CTC Payment Confirmation (Direct Deposit)

Most eligible recipients for these advance monthly payments will have received an IRS letter to their home address to confirm payment detail. Check the IRS CTC portal if you didn’t get a letter – your address on file maybe incorrect. No action is needed to enroll other than a 2020 tax filing (you can file a simple IRS tax return here for free).

Also remember that only half the total CTC credit amount will be paid in advance monthly payments in 2021. You will need to claim the other half when you file your 2021 income tax return in 2022.

Payment Issues with the Monthly Child Tax Credit – Pending Eligibility Status

As with any federally funded benefits program that is being instituted in a relatively rapid fashion by a large government agency (the IRS) I expect that there will be ongoing payment issues around eligibility and initial payments. This was the case with stimulus payments/checks and unemployment benefits, so expect to face some bumps in the road.

The IRS has provided the CTC portal (see below for more) to check if you’re enrolled to receive advance payments (in addition to providing/updating your bank account details) and will provide a eligibility status. Because there are several eligibility criteria, non-filer data to process, fraud issues and potential multiple claims for the same dependent you may see a PENDING ELIGIBILITY status while the IRS does its due diligence.

You should keep checking the CTC portal (updated daily) to confirm the status of your payment because you will not receive advance CTC payments until the IRS confirms your eligibility.

Also note it there are payment issues in getting the monthly CTC payment into your bank account, the IRS will send your payment via check to your home address. This was done in recent rounds of payments and the IRS will alert the impacted parties via a letter or on the CTC portal. Around 15% of families were impacted by this in earlier rounds of payments according to the IRS.

IRS update on pending eligibility due to delayed tax return processing

The IRS has said that people may see the “pending eligibility” status because the IRS is still processing the tax filers 2020 tax return! I imagine several taxpayers are in this boat given lengthy IRS processing delays this tax season, and will need the IRS to finish processing their return so that their eligibility for the CTC payment is confirmed.

At this stage the IRS is saying if your return is processed at least 2 weeks before the CTC payment date for a given month, you should then get your eligible payment. E.g. In August, returns processed by August 2nd were paid the CTC on the August 13th payment date.

If the IRS is not able to confirm your CTC eligibility in 2021 (and no payments are made unless it is confirmed), you may be eligible to claim the full CTC when you file your 2021 tax return in 2022.

Missing or Incorrect CTC Payments – Catch-up Payments and Requesting a Payment Trace

Technical glitches have caused the IRS to miss certain payments. For example due to system issues for those who updated their (or spouses) bank or address details via the CTC portal (around 2% of recipients), September CTC payments were not able to be processed correctly or caused an overpayment.

The IRS normally automatically addresses these issues once identified and adjusts future payments (up or down) to account for these errors. In some cases the payment is made off-cycle (catch-up payment) or fixed in the following month’s payment – which is why your amount received may differ on a month to month basis. The IRS will send a formal letter to confirm this adjustment.

If you were deemed eligible for the CTC and payment was confirmed via the IRS portal (i.e. no errors), but you didn’t get the payment you can request a payment trace to track your payment using Form 3911 (Taxpayer Statement Regarding Refund) to start a payment trace.

Retroactive Child Tax Credit (CTC) Back Payments

If you didn’t get a payment for prior month(s) or it was lower than expected, you will be “caught-up” in subsequent months. The IRS confirmed this in their latest update wherein families who did not get a prior month payment (e.g. in July) and are getting their first monthly payment in August will still receive their total advance payment for the year.

This means that the total payment will be spread over five months, rather than six, making each monthly payment larger. This was confirmed in some recent comments when some recipients were pleasantly surprised with a larger payment. You can also check the CTC portal, which will provide the latest payment amounts and details.

If you are not caught up or paid retroactively by the end of 2021 after the final payment, you will have to claim/adjust this via your 2021 tax filing (filed in 2022).

Get the latest money, tax and stimulus news directly in your inbox

Can you unenroll from or opt-out of the monthly child tax credit payment?

Yes. The IRS has setup a new online portal with instructions on how to unenroll from this advanced payment program and instead receive the expanded CTC credit when you file your 2021 return next year. You only need to opt out or unenroll once for all future payments.

The key is to ensure you unenroll form receiving this payment three days before the monthly enrollment deadline shown below. See step-by-step instructions for opting out or unenrolling from the monthly CTC payment.

Further, if you filed a joint return, both spouses will need to opt out on the CTC portal, or the unenrolled spouse will get 50% of the payment.

Payment Month2021 Unenrollment Deadline
July6/28/2021
August8/2/2021
September8/30/2021
October10/4/2021
November11/1/2021
December11/29/2021

You can get more details on the CTC portal on the IRS site ; which will provide more details on how to opt out of the periodic payments and take the full child credit on your tax return next year.

If you unenroll from the program at any time, you cannot re-enroll at this stage according to the IRS. Unenrollment is a one-time action. However the IRS may reopen this program for re-enrollment from late September 2021.

Can my CTC payment be withheld for Child Support, Garnishment or Federal Offsets?

While CTC payments are not subject to federal offsets or past due child support, they will be subject to garnishment according to the IRS. This includes garnishment state, local and private creditors. For those filing joint returns, you can use Form 8379 to ensure your payments are not offset due to your spouses previous debts (see more in this article).

What if my child turns 18 in 2021? Will they get the credit?

No. They have to be under 18 at the end of 2021. Since this is refundable 2021 tax credit, paid in advance, it would only cover dependents under the age of 18 on the last day of the tax year (or first day of 2022).  The IRS has confirmed this in recent guidance.

For those children that go from 6 to 7 in 2021, they will only get the smaller monthly payment because the credit criteria is based on the age as of the end of 2021.

Do I have to pay back this credit if I have no income in 2020?

No. This is a full refundable credit; which means that taxpayers with no income or taxes due and who meet all the other eligibility rules, can get the maximum credit.

Will monthly payments be made in 2022?

At this stage the expanded CTC and advance monthly payments are only for the current year – 2021. 2022 payments will need to be claimed via your 2021 tax filing. Democrats do want to make it permanent given the wide spread safety net to lower and middle class families, but at a cost of $100 billion per year it will be hard to get approval in Congress for ongoing funding, especially when the Pandemic has receded.

How do I report these payments in my 2022 tax return?

These will be accounted for by the IRS or your tax software when filing your return next year. However you should be aware that if you receive a refund when filing next year (2021 return), any remaining Child Tax Credit amounts included in your refund may be subject to offset for tax debts or other federal or state debts you owe.

How do I Contact the IRS about my CTC payment?

Using the IRS’ CTC portal or going to childtaxcredit.gov is the most efficient way to get information for your CTC payment. However if your situation is complex or you have been in pending eligibility status for a long time then you can contact the IRS on their general number at 800-829-1040. You will need to provide identity verification income from your latest tax return or other government agency data.

However be prepared for a long wait given the IRS resource constraints around processing returns, stimulus and ongoing CTC payments. If the live agent is not helpful you can also consider talking to a tax advocate.

Your final recourse, if the IRS agent cannot solve your payment eligibility issues, is to then claim your missing payment amounts when you file your 2021 tax returns next year.

Subscribe via email or follow us on Facebook, Twitter or YouTube to get the latest news and updates

72 thoughts on “2023-2024 Child Tax Credit (CTC) Refund Payments Status – Latest Updates and News”

  1. Will there be an April 15th payment? I did not receive the lump sum for my child that is 5 years old and other is 16 years old with my tax return.

    Reply
  2. Hello, can I get some help? I receive my CTC in July, August, September I didn’t receive them for October, November, December it says pending eligibility. So does that mean when I file my taxes in January 2022 I won’t receive my taxes because it states pending eligibility?

    Reply
    • No. You should claim these payments in your 2021 return. But this may delay the overall refund payment since it could get held up for additional verification (since the CtC payments were pending).

      Reply
  3. Well I have 8 ,17 and under how do I go about adding them to my taxes 2 dad has passed they all live with me ?

    Reply
    • You can amend your prior returns to reflect this, use the IRS CTC tool to update details or claim in next years (2021) tax return filing.

      Reply
  4. i was in process of pre adoption with my wife..we fiked 2020 taxes jointly using her bank account..in july we seperated and she moved miles away and has no contact with the child but yet she gets the advanced child credit stimulus no me..she also refuses to sign off of it or give to me for the baby..so how will i file my 2021 taxes

    Reply
  5. Update on Sept. advance Child Tax Credit payments (per the IRS)

    In September, the IRS successfully delivered a third monthly round of approximately 36 million Child Tax Credit payments, totaling more than $15 billion. Given the new components of this program, the IRS continues to work hard to make improvements and deliver payments timely.

    After the September payment was issued, the IRS resolved a technical issue, which the agency estimates caused fewer than 2% of CTC recipients not to receive their September payment on the scheduled payment date. Payments have since gone out to affected individuals.

    The impacted group primarily included taxpayers who recently made an update to their bank account or address information using the IRS Child Tax Credit Update Portal. In particular, the issue affected payments to married taxpayers filing jointly where only one spouse made a bank account or address change, which usually results in payments being split into two (between the existing account or address and the new account or address).

    In some of these cases, the split payment caused a delay in making payments, and further caused individuals to receive slightly more than the correct payment in September. To address this, the payment that each spouse receives in October, November and December will be reduced slightly to adjust for the overpayment. For each taxpayer receiving a payment, the typical overpayment was $31.25 per child between 6 and 17 years old and $37.50 per child under 6 years old. This will result in about a $10 to $13 reduction per child in the three remaining monthly payments.

    The IRS will send letters to affected individuals with this information. The IRS continues to closely monitor this program and the agency appreciates the patience of those whose payments were affected.

    Reply
  6. I was approved for CTC & received payments by direct deposit for July & August. I did not receive yesterday’s installment & my payment switched to pending. Do you have any idea why this could be?

    Reply
    • I am in the same boat I got July and august and now it says pending eligibility even though I know for certain I’m eligible

      Reply
    • Same ! I haven’t had 1 damn dollar to my name for months now ! Struggling, crying, praying everyday. No answers or explanations!! I am outraged. How the heck do I go from ELIGIBLE & received July &; August To Pending Eligibility; No payments for September or October ?????? Make it Make sense! Fkn imbeciles !!!

      Reply
      • Sorry to hear that. Did your spouse or someone else claim your dependents? Or did you file an updated tax return? Seems strange you got paid and then went to pending. I’ll research more and update article FAQs when I find an answer

        Reply
        • I’m facing this issue too. I received all the past months payments except this month Novembers. I did some research and logged in to the ID me portal to find out my status changed to pending. I have 6 children total and 5 are under the age of 16. I filed my 2020 tax return on 2/19/2021 and it’s been processing since. I was notified that I needed to verify my identity before they can proceed to processing my 2020 return (I did this yesterday) . I was receiving CTC payments until now and at this point I’m so fed up with the way our system is being run and I just want what I’m owed so I can pay my bills.

  7. I have 4 children under the age of 12 and haven’t received any payments for the CTC payments. IRS website still says pending for eligibility. I filed all 4 of my kids on my 2020 taxes and gotten all 3 of the stimulus checks. I filed through Turbo tax and everything expected was received. Why is my CTC Eligibility still pending? Please Help!! Is there a number i can call of is this a waiting game?

    Reply
    • I have added a FAQ to address this in the article above. You can contact the IRS on their general number at 800-829-1040. You will need to provide identity verification income from your latest tax return or other government agency data.

      However be prepared for a long wait given the IRS resource constraints around processing returns, stimulus and ongoing CTC payments. If the live agent is not helpful you can also consider talking to a tax advocate.

      Reply
  8. I have 3 children. A 3 year old a 6 year old and a 9 year old. The ctc portal just updated in the begining of August that i am enrolled. My question is will i recieve Julys payment in August. Also the ctc partal says i will recieve $960 witch is not correct it should be $800 i also have 0 income. Please help

    Reply
    • You should get back/retroactively paid, unless in July you were deemed not eligible by the IRS. If you don’t get paid, you will have to claim back payments in your 2021 tax return.

      Reply
      • I received CTC payments for July and August and when I checked today I did not receive September went online to CTC portal and it states pending eligibility. Any idea as to why would this happen after receiving first two payments?

        Reply
  9. Hi, I am a grandmother who has custody of 2 of my grandchildren. My son claims one of them on his income tax. He claims his nephew because he has helped me raise him. The other one is father claims him. My son recieves the stimulus check for my one grandson how can I file for the other one. They both live with me and my son ( their uncle)

    Reply
  10. I am a widow on SSD ( non filer tool I’ve utilized) I have 2 eligible children for Child Tax Credit
    ( per a letter I received in late June from President Biden) stating according to IRS records I have 2 children that I’ll be receiving $500 a month beginning in July.
    I received all prior stimulus and by direct Deposit but irs portal was saying under my login for days in a row very conflicting info thru me checking info on Manage my payment tool my status was unavailable, then Error check back later, to me having to verify identity with zoom video with Gov. Agent by license and social security card and a photo face scan during video call . Well July 15th has now passed (today is July 25th I no deposit nor a mailed check. I been resourcing advocating for self no luck reaching one through IRS phone line to discuss my issue and find what happening for recently the irs portal Now has me in system per logging in but it’s now claiming me as a
    NO. Eligibility NOT GETTING CHILD TAX CREDIT payments.
    I’ve resourced my State Rep. Chrissy Houluhan for being it’s a Federal issue I advise only one higher government constituent can assist me ( they told me nope they can not contact IRS for the issue) I reached out to My Governor Wolf his office directed me to call State Congressman Bob Casey and ( provided contact phone # I was told by office person at Casey’s office upon hearing my issue and distress that they personally were taking my what sounds like been a ( “The IRS online website had a Glitch In Systen that occurred for me and obviously it needs to be to be corrected by IRS personally. So they were forwarding my situation to one their office IRS ADVISORS AND TO WAIT- For a callback from their office. . Well
    (I Not received a call back yet – it’s 5 days latter now) portal still state a No
    I according to eligibility look up I still qualify this so upsetting
    I NEEED ASSISTANCE I’m in hardship and was grateful to Government to issue out a expanded Child Tax / Advance Tax credit that I non filer can receive during pandemic times we are in .
    But Now I not understand what happened here and No one will assist me to reach a live person to review & discuss with IRS
    I NEED ASSISTANCE PLEASE
    Sincerely,
    Shawn (Pennsylvania)

    Reply
    • I’m on SSDI and my son is on ssi and he has not received any CTC either I’m so mad cause I could us that money

      Reply
  11. I filled out the non-filers tool and I did not know I was supposed to check the box ctc for the advance child tax credit and my return has already been processed so I don’t know if that’s why I didn’t receive a payment on July 15th

    Reply
  12. Hi
    I have a 6 yr old and a 3 year old and have not receive anything I am eligible please direct me on what I should do.

    Reply
    • Did you meet all the eligibility criteria (see article for details)? Age is not the only thing. If so, Check the CTC portal. If not you can use the CTC portal to update details (which the IRS will have to verify) and you will get caught up with payments in later months.

      Reply
  13. Grandkids were placed with me since March 2021 by DCF. I’ll have kids for 8 months before next hearing. Would I be able to recieve this credit. Mom has not worked 2021 but she filed 2020

    Reply
    • You will need to do one of the following to get the payment/credit (vs their Mom who claimed them in her tax return)

      1. Agree with your qualifying child’s other parent to allow you to claim that child for the Child Tax Credit for 2021. You must receive from your child’s other parent a signed Form 8332, Release/Revocation of Release of Claim to Exemption (search IRS site or via link in article able for form) for Child by Custodial Parent, and attach it to your 2021 tax return on which you claim the Child Tax Credit. You can also ask their Mom to use the Child Tax Credit Update Portal (CTC UP) to unenroll from receiving advance Child Tax Credit payments, or to remove that child from your Child Tax Credit information provided to the IRS.

      Reply
  14. I have two children that reside with me and am on Disability, but their father has been getting all the checks for them, thus far. He did not file his taxes this year and I just recently used the non-filers tool in hopes that I could get the monthly credit for them instead. Am I correct in thinking that I will get that now instead of him? If I did it on June 30, will I receive the payments on time in July?

    Reply
    • You may be able to get it if the IRS does not use his 2019 return data. But you have done the right thing using the non-filers tool and you will now have to wait till after July 15 to see if you get the payment.

      Reply
  15. What about a child who turns 17 in October 2021? he will be 17 year and 3 months old as of 12/31/2021. what amount he will be accounted for? 3000$ ?

    Reply
    • Its the age as of the end of the year (Dec 31st). The criteria per the IRS is “For tax year 2021, a qualifying child is an individual who does not turn 18 before January 1, 2022, and who satisfies the following condition.”

      So you should be good.

      Reply
  16. Hello Andy
    Good Day! Me and my child are outside of the USA we are here in Philippines and my child is a US citizen and i have a full custody of my son. My ex husband is retired US Navy and we are separated but he file my son as his dependent. How can we get the CTC for my son? And also we didn’t get the first and second stimulus for my son. Can you kindly help me where to inquire about this.
    Regards and Thank You
    Grace

    Reply
    • One of the criteria for the credit is, “you — or your spouse, if married filing a joint return — must have your main home in one of the 50 states or the District of Columbia for more than half the year.”

      If you are outside the US for longer you won’t be eligible to claim the expanded CTC credit. And based on the information your ex will likely get the payment since he meets the domestic stay criteria and claimed your son in his latest tax return.

      Reply
  17. I received custody of my two grandchildren in March of 2021. My son claimed them on his 2020 tax return but I now have full custody, court ordered. How can I get the new stimulus money coming in July? If he gets it, it will not go towards the children.

    Reply
    • Did you file them as your dependents in your return? You will need to contact the IRS for this to be updated, otherwise your son will get the payments.

      Reply
      • Somebody’s praying my son on the Texas and I haven’t received any of his stimulus how can I get that overturned start receiving his stimulus

        Reply
    • Per the IRS Revenue procedure – “Taxpayers claiming the child tax credit for the 2021 taxable year will receive up to $3,000 for each 2021 CTC qualifying child who is between the ages of 6 and 17 as of the end of the 2021 taxable year, and $3,600 for each 2021 CTC qualifying child, who is under the age of 6 as of the end of the 2021 taxable year”

      Its the age as of the end of 2021 per the procedure, so you will likely only get $250 for all the payments. You could try and claim the extra $50 for July and August via your 2021 tax return you file next year.

      If the IRS does end up paying you $300 for all the payments, just be aware the IRS could claw that money back in your 2021 tax return filing next year.

      Reply
  18. My ex and I share claiming our son as dependent (I get even years and he gets odd). Since this credit is based on 2021, and I don’t claim our son that year, would I still get monthly payments in 2020 (and possibly pay back anything over 2K) or would my ex get it in 2021 (not monthly advance payments because our son isn’t on ex’s 2020) or would we *both* get the credit? Also, can I get my son’s stimulus payment for now even if they went by my 2019 and didn’t give it to me because my 2020 wasn’t in yet? I can’t claim this via recovery rebate in 2021 because he won’t be my dependent that year. Can I fix that at the IRS website or, again, does my ex just get it because it was 2019.

    Reply
  19. I am wondering about the $1400 stimulus for dependent children. I received $1400 for myself, however I did not get anything (yet) for my 2 dependent children. Are the $1400 stimulus payments for children staggered in over time, and when should we expect to see those payments ($2800)? Thank you!

    Reply
  20. What if I am on social security and me and my husband are separated but i have full custody? My husband has been getting all the checks for my child cause I have no where to say I full custody since I font file taxes? Any advice for those monthly payments?
    Ace

    Reply
    • Its based on your 2020 (or 2019) tax return. So if your ex-husband filed and claimed your kids on his return then he would get the CTC and stimulus checks. You can file forms with the IRS to argue this but could take some time to resolve.

      Reply
  21. I’ve been looking for that answer as well. G-Daughter turns 18 in April. Still in high School. Can anyone answer our question?

    Reply
    • Based on the legislative text and as this is an advance credit on your 2021 taxes, it would be the age of your child at the end of 2021 tax year (December 31st, 2021). Like other credits. So if your daughter is older than 18 then she may not qualify for the expanded payment. However will need to wait for final IRS guidelines to confirm this and they make an exception.

      Reply
      • Confirmed per comment above, it is the age as of the end of 2021. So if 18 by then she would not get the CTC payment.

        Reply
  22. I have already filed 2020 taxes and received the original $2000 CTC for my two children, however I’m pregnant and due in July when the new CTC money disbursements are supposed to hit. Can I expect the $3600 and the $1400 for the new baby when I file in 2022? and does this mean that I will only recieve half for my other two children if I recieve mo they payments for them this year?

    Reply
    • Yes for 2022, you should be able to claim your new child this year and the $1400 dependent stimulus. For your other kids you will get 50% of the CTC this year and $1400 per kid, so next year you will get the remaining CTC + higher EITC.

      Reply
    • Based on the legislative text and as this is an advance credit on your 2021 taxes, it would be the age of your child at the end of 2021 tax year (December 31st, 2021). Like other credits. So if your daughter is older than 18 then she may not qualify for the expanded payment. However will need to wait for final IRS guidelines to confirm this and they make an exception.

      Reply
  23. Hello, i have not been getting the tax relief checks for my children , just my husband and I . What do i need to do before the next round comes out ? Can you tell me what papers are needed to be filled out ,or who do i call? I did get the first round for them , but not after that. PLEASE HELP……

    Reply
    • Did you file a tax return for this year or have a change in dependent status? You can claim the missing dependent payments from last year via a recovery rebate credit. For the new CTC, the IRS will use your 2019 or 2020 tax data to send the monthly advance payments.

      Reply
      • Hello Andy, I have filled the tax for 2020 for me and my son. He is under 18. I just don’t know if there is anything else to do in order to receive this child tax credit. I just checked my bank account I haven’t received anything as of now and todays is 7/16.

        Reply
        • Did you check the CTC Portal for your eligibility status? That’s where you should go first. Also note he has to be under 18 as of Jan 1st 2022 to qualify.

  24. Just asking.? I’m a gma who has raised 6 grand babies for about 20yrs .I’ve got a grandparent Tanaf.on the youngest receive. One hundred a month. I have a grandchild whom filed her taxes last yr.claimed me as dependent and claimed her lil brother. Not aware of amount her refund,was. So I lucked out on any stimulus relief. I’m Unemployed .health issues.will this round help me in anyway. Just wondering.

    Reply
  25. Would a child born in the first quarter of 2021 be eligible for a stimulous check? How would parent apply for it since she is not on 2020 tax return. How would parent apply for the child tax credit for this child?

    Reply
  26. Hi Andy,
    Just curious. My tax individual at H&R Block has already filed my income tax. will this cause me to v=be ineligible for EITC and CTC? in 2021? and what amount do you have to make to qualify in regular payroll wages for EITC? What if my tax guy was unaware of this new roll out.
    You are so awesome by the way. The only form of information I have #1 had and #2 feel I can trust.

    Reply
    • No. Your 2020 tax return filing should not impact your 2021 payments as they will be reconciled against your 2021 tax return in 2022. The one thing that may impact you is the amount you get, because if your income substantially increased in 2020 it could lower or disqualify you from getting paid. But Congress has yet to release final details and I suspect they may allow you use 2019 or 2021 income. If you want to use your 2021 income you will have to wait till 2022 to claim these credits as a lump sump.

      Reply
  27. Hello I am in California and I am still (pua) payments from December 27,2020-now. I have a $0 balance but the ending date (4/13/21). This is very frustrated and I have submitted all required documentation as request, still no call (it has been over 5 days since calling the last time). My claim was (rushed) but still nothing, they really need more staff. Don’t they have a COMPLIANCE team/dept, I know about claims and processing (I worked for Sutter as: Data entry,Claims 1,2&3 specialist and research specialist, on to auditing/compliance dept.

    I have worked most of my life and I did not think I would be ignored like this, when there is a great need

    Reply
  28. I wish they go by 2020 tax year because my child turns 18 this year. Although, he will still need full financial support as he will be a full time student in college. I just hope we get to take advantage of that credit too.

    Reply

Leave a Comment