The Child Tax Credit in 2022
What it is
The Child Tax Credit is not a new tax credit but it has changed—more money is available but you must file taxes to access it.
Eligibility for the CTC
- If your child/children are between the ages of 0 to 17 (Children must have a Social Security number to be eligible)
- $3,600 per child ages 0–5
- $3,000 per child ages 6–17
- To receive the full CTC taxpayers cannot make more than:
- $150,000 for married taxpayers filing a joint return and qualifying widows/widowers
- $112,500 for heads of household
- $75,000 for all other taxpayers
- For those who have incomes over the amounts above, the credit gets progressively smaller
You May Have Received Advance Payments But There Is More Money
The IRS released half of the amounts above in advance starting on July 15.
- If you did receive monthly payments between July-December 2021, you still need to file taxes to receive the rest of your CTC money.
- If you did not receive monthly payments but you do have a qualifying child, you will need to file taxes to get the full amount of the CTC.
If You Received Advance Payments
The IRS is sending letters to everyone who received Advance CTC payments. This letter (Letter 6419) will come in the mail. It will show the full amount of CTC money you received in advance in 2021. Save this letter and bring it when you go to your tax site!
Income Limits
- To receive the full CTC taxpayers cannot make more than:
- $150,000 for married taxpayers filing a joint return and qualifying widows/widowers
- $112,500 for heads of household
- $75,000 for all other taxpayers
- For those who have incomes over the amounts above, the credit gets progressively smaller
Tax Preparation Availability and CTC Assistance
For free tax preparation services visit our Tax Sites page for more information.
Visit the IRS website here for more information!