July 23, 2021

Dear Neighbor:

I’m writing to share some wonderful news about the newly expanded Child Tax Credit, which is providing crucial tax relief to families in Maryland’s 8th District. The first monthly payments of the expanded Child Tax Credit were delivered to eligible families last week. The expanded Child Tax Credit is a cornerstone of the American Rescue Plan that Congress passed in March to address the COVID-19 pandemic and get more help to families. Eligible families receive a payment of up to $300 per month for each child under age 6 and up to $250 per month for each child age 6 to 17.

The expanded Child Tax Credit could cut child poverty in half. I’m proud to have voted for this monumental achievement and reimagining of how our country provides for its children.

Below you will find a helpful review of the Child Tax Credit with information on what to expect as these new payments go out to eligible families with children across Carroll, Frederick and Montgomery Counties.

As always, I encourage all 8th District residents to connect with me on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram. If you need help with a federal agency and want to request assistance from my staff, please complete the online request form here, and my District Office will be in touch. 

All Best,

Jamie Raskin

How Families Will Receive the Expanded Child Tax Credit

Unlike most tax cuts, which are sent as a lump sum after tax season or as a deduction during filing, the expanded Child Tax Credit will arrive in monthly payments throughout the year. The IRS is distributing the payments by direct deposit to checking and savings accounts as well as by mail, depending on how you pay your taxes.

If you’ve filed tax returns for 2019 or 2020, or if you signed up to receive a stimulus check from the Internal Revenue Service, you will get this tax relief automatically. You do not need to sign up or take any action.

If you didn’t make enough to be required to file taxes in 2020 or 2019, you may still get benefits. Low-income families with children are eligible for this crucial tax relief. If you don’t file taxes, visit https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/child-tax-credit-non-filer-sign-up-tool to sign up for these payments.

Which Families Qualify for the Expanded Child Tax Credit

Nearly all families with children qualify, but some income limitations apply. Couples making less than $150,000 and single filers making less than $75,000 will qualify for the full 2021 Child Tax Credit. Families with higher incomes may receive a smaller credit or may not qualify. For more detail on the phase-outs for higher income families, visit https://www.whitehouse.gov/child-tax-credit/.

Please note that receiving these Child Tax Credit payments will not affect qualification for other government benefits like SSI, SNAP, TANF or WIC because the Child Tax Credit is not considered income.

A Warning: Potential Fraudulent Scams Related to the Child Tax Credit

Please know that the IRS will not call, text or email you unannounced to demand you take action in order to receive your Child Tax Credit payments. If you suspect a message to be fraudulent, please do not hesitate to report it to the IRS. Criminals will often use intimidation and scare tactics to convince people to share private or sensitive information that can be used for fraudulent purposes. See https://www.irs.gov/individuals/how-do-you-report-suspected-tax-fraud-activity for more details.

Please also know that the IRS cannot and will not threaten to withhold your Child Tax Credit payments. Messages doing so should be considered fraudulent and reported or ignored.

Expanded Child Tax Credit payments cannot be sped up or expedited. Any individual or firm offering to get you your Child Tax Credit payments faster should be considered fraudulent and reported to the IRS.

Additional Resources on the Expanded Child Tax Credit

Please find below a list of additional resources regarding the expanded Child Tax Credit.

Multi-lingual tool kits and FAQs from the IRS

A simple explainer from Benefits.gov

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