The expanded and newly-advanceable Child Tax Credit was authorized by the American Rescue Plan Act. Normally, the IRS will calculate the payment based on a family's 2020 tax return, including those who use the Non-filer sign-up tool. If that return is not available because it has not yet been filed or is still being processed, the IRS will determine the initial payment amounts using the 2019 return or the information entered using the Non-filers tool that was available in 2020.
The payment will be up to $300 per month for each child under age 6 and up to $250 per month for each child age 6 through 17.
To ensure families can easily access their money, the IRS will issue these payments by direct deposit, as long as correct banking information has previously been provided to the IRS. Otherwise, people should watch their mail around July 15 for their mailed payment. The dates for the Advance Child Tax Credit payments are July 15, August 13, September 15, October 15, November 15 and December 15.
For more information, visit IRS.gov/childtaxcredit2021, or read FAQs on the 2021 Child Tax Credit and Advance Child Tax Credit Payments.
Understanding the 2021 Child Tax Credit
