Help Is Here: The Expanded Child Tax Credit

Beginning on July 15^th, nearly all working families in Missouri's Fifth Congressional District will automatically receive Monthly Child Tax Credit Payments thanks to the American Rescue Plan—a historic relief package I was proud to support earlier this year.

This substantial tax cut will support nearly 49,000 households in our congressional district and lift 11,000 children out of poverty by providing up to $300 per child every month through December 2021. By ensuring parents can pay for essentials like groceries, clothes, school supplies, childcare, and more, we can help Missouri families build back better than ever.

How Much Are the Child Tax Credit Monthly Payments?

• The American Rescue Plan expanded the Child Tax Credit from $2,000 to up to $3,600 per child for children ages 0 to 5 and $3,000 per child for children ages 6 to 17.
• Families will receive $300 a month per child for children ages 0 to 5 and $250 a month per child for children ages 6 to 17 through December 2021.

Who Qualifies for the Child Tax Credit Monthly Payments?

• Families will qualify for the full credit if their income is below $75,000 for single filers, $112,000 for people filing as head of household, or $150,000 for people who are married and filing jointly.
• To be eligible, children must:
  • Have a Social Security Number;
  • Live with you for at least half of the year;
  • Be under the age of 18 as of December 31, 2021; and
  • Be claimed on your tax return.
• Children are eligible if they are your children, adopted children, stepchildren, half-siblings, foster children, grandchildren, nieces or nephews, or certain other relatives. The adult filing taxes must have a Social Security Number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.
• Families can check their eligibility, check the status of their payments, and more here.

How Do I Get My Payment?

• Nearly all families should get their monthly payments automatically beginning July 15^th with no further action required. If you have filed tax returns for 2019 or 2020, or if you signed up to receive a stimulus check from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), you will get this tax relief automatically.
• Families who did not file a tax return for 2019 or 2020, and who did not use the IRS Non-filers tool last year to sign up for the Economic Impact Payments, should go online and use the IRS Child Tax Credit Non-filer Sign-up Tool to ensure you receive your payments.
• Families who got their refunds from the IRS through direct deposit will get these payments in their bank accounts around the 15^th of every month until the end of 2021. People who do not use direct deposit will receive their payments by the mail around the same time.
• Families will get their remaining expanded Child Tax Credit when they file their 2021 tax return.

You can find more information on the expanded Child Tax Credit and how it affects your family here.

As always, my office stands ready to help if you or a loved one need assistance. Please do not hesitate to call us at 816-842-4545 should you have any questions about the Child Tax Credit.