IRS Issues FAQs on Child Tax Credit for 2021

The IRS has issued frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to the Child Tax Credit (CTC) for the 2021 filing season. The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 expanded the CTC for tax year 2021 only. These CTC FAQs provide information helpful for taxpayers preparing their 2021 tax returns. Recipients of advance CTC payments will need to compare the amount of payments received during 2021 with the amount of the CTC that can be claimed on their 2021 tax return.

Taxpayers who received less than the amount they are eligible for can claim a credit for the remaining amount. Taxpayers who received more than the amount they are eligible for may need to repay some or all of the excess amount. The IRS sent Letter 6419 in January 2022 to provide the total amount of advance CTC payments that were received in 2021. The IRS urges taxpayers receiving these letters to ensure they hold onto them to assist them in preparing their 2021 tax returns.