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Higgins highlights Child Tax Credit changes designed to help working families get ahead

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Wed, May 12th 2021 05:55 pm

Advance payments to be delivered July through December; an estimated 400,000 children in WNY will benefit

Congressman Brian Higgins spoke on the floor of the House of Representatives highlighting the role of the Child Tax Credit in rebuilding an economy that works for hardworking families.

He said, “This pandemic exposed and worsened long-standing economic issues in our society: wages that are too low, child care that is unaffordable, and a lack of paid leave to allow workers the ability to properly care for themselves and their families. Policies like the expanded Child Tax Credit are essential to our economic recovery to help working parents – especially mothers – reenter the workforce knowing their children are safe and cared for.”

What is the Child Tax Credit?

The Child Tax Credit was first established in 1997. The American Rescue Plan increased the credit for eligible families to $3,600 per child under age 6, and $3,000 per child between ages 6-17.

More than 3.4 million children in New York – including nearly 400,000 living in Western New York – will benefit from the program. Approximately 91% of the children in Higgins’s district will qualify for the credit.

Who Qualifies for Child Tax Credit?

The full amount is provided to single filers with an adjusted gross income of $75,000 or less, head of household filers earning under $112,500 and joint filers making $150,000 or under. Families earning more may still be eligible to receive a portion of the Child Tax Credit.

How Will Advance Payments Work?

The American Rescue Plan allows for families to receive the Child Tax Credit for 2021 early. Advance payments of $300 per child under 6 and $250 per child ages 6-17 will be made to eligible families each month from July through December. Up to 50% of the Child Tax Credit can be distributed in advance. Families will receive the remaining portion of the tax credit when they file their 2021 tax return. People can select to opt-out of early payments.

What Do I Need to Do to Receive Child Tax Credit Early?

The Internal Revenue Service is encouraging all families to file their 2020 taxes, regardless of income, so that updated information is on file. The tax filing deadline was extended until May 17. One can file taxes at no cost through the IRS Free File program at https://apps.irs.gov/app/freeFile/-.

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