Questions About the Expanded Child Tax Credit? The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program Can Help

By Office of Communication

Posted on June 23, 2021, June 23, 2021

Do you have questions about the expanded Child Tax Credit benefits? The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program in Arlington is available to help eligible low-income residents file their taxes to begin receiving monthly Child Tax Credit payments or to help them opt-out so they receive their full Child Tax Credit on their 2021 tax return.

No appointments are needed. Free assistance for individuals or families with income of $60,000 or less is available at the Arlington Human Service Center, 401 W. Sanford St., on these dates:

• Friday, June 25, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
• Saturday, June 26, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
• Friday, July 9, 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
• Saturday, July 10, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Please bring a photo ID, Social Security cards for all members of the household, all wage statements for 2020, a copy of the 2019 tax return, unemployment income, 1099 SSA and 1099-R, cash income amounts and work expenses and direct deposit information.

What is the Expanded Child Tax Credit?

To help people get through the COVID-19 pandemic, the American Rescue Plan expanded the Child Tax Credit (CTC). It will give most families $3,000 to $3,600 per child, even if the families have little to no income.

In 2021, families can get:
• $3,600 ($300 a month) per child for children ages 0 to 5.
• $3,000 ($250 a month) per child for children ages 6 to 17.

IRS should start paying these benefits monthly in July 2021. Most families will get $250 to $300 a month per child from July through December 2021. Families will get the remaining $1,500 to $1,800 per child when they file their 2021 taxes in Spring 2022.

Click here for more information about the expanded Child Tax Credit. 

Is My Child Eligible?

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
• Children are eligible if they are your children, adopted children, stepchildren, half siblings, foster children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, or certain relatives.
• The adult filing taxes must have a Social Security Number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.

You do not need to have any earnings to get this credit. Families will qualify for a 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 filing jointly.

For more information, please contact VITA Program Coordinator Maricela Avila at 817-459-6207 or [email protected].