John,

Last year, the Child Tax Credit (CTC) reached a historic number of households, boosting the purchasing power of families of 65 million children―reducing childhood poverty by nearly 40%.[1] While those monthly payments have stopped, families can still claim the second half of their 2021 CTC by filing tax returns this year.

Additionally, the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is reaching more workers than ever before, including low-income people as young as 19 years old and workers 65 and older―helping 17 million adults without dependent children.[2]

Here’s the catch: Millions of individuals and households who don’t normally file tax returns because their incomes are low need to file this year. If they don’t, they’ll miss out on thousands of dollars in tax credits that have lifted millions of people out of poverty.

Don’t know if you qualify for the CTC or EITC? Click here to find out.

If you haven’t already filed your tax returns (don’t worry, most people haven’t!), check out these free resources to file your taxes and get your refund: https://www.getyourrefund.org/en

The IRS is suggesting that people file online to speed up the process of receiving your tax refund, so use the free resources above, or check out this site provided by the Biden administration: https://www.childtaxcredit.gov/triage/

These expanded tax credits, passed by Congress last spring as part of the American Rescue Plan, have made basic necessities like clothing, food, rent and utilities more affordable for millions of households. And, since these tax credits are not income, they don’t impact eligibility for other federal benefits like SNAP or WIC food benefits.

Check out the flyer below as well as the resources above and be sure to file your taxes this year! And, feel free to share these important resources with family and friends who might benefit.

Thank you,

Frank Clemente
Executive Director
Americans for Tax Fairness

[1] “If Congress Fails to Act, Monthly Child Tax Credit Payments Will Stop, Child Poverty Reductions Will Be Lost,” Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, Dec. 3, 2021

[2] “President-Elect’s Plan Includes Vital EITC Increase for Adults Not Raising Children,” Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, Jan. 15, 2021