Congressmen Cleaver Explains Child Tax Credit

Cash for helping youngsters shouldn't be controversial and we share this newsletter shout out because there are quite a few locals who could benefit from the help.

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E.C. From D.C. Newsletter: Advance Child Tax Credit Monthly Payments Are On the Way

Hello Neighbor,

The American Rescue Plan continues to put shots in arms, money in pockets, and people in jobs throughout Missouri and all across the country--and there is more to come.
 
I want to take this opportunity to let you know that next month families will begin to receive their advance monthly payments of the expanded Child Tax Credit, which was passed by Congress with my support through the American Rescue Plan in March.
 
According to data from the House Appropriations Committee, the increased Child Tax Credit will provide much-needed relief to nearly 49,000 families in Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, covering 91% of all children and lifting 11,000 kids out of poverty.
 
Advance monthly payments of up to $300 per child every month through the end of the year will help set Missouri's children up for success by ensuring parents can pay for essentials like groceries, clothes, school supplies, child care, and so much more.
 
Beginning July 15th, nearly all working families will automatically receive their Monthly Child Tax Credit Payments, but I wanted to send you some information about this substantial tax relief, who qualifies, and how much to expect in the coming months to make sure you don't leave any money on the table.

How Much Are The Child Tax Credit Advance Monthly Payments?
 
The American Rescue Plan expanded the Child Tax Credit to up to $3,600 per child for children ages 0 to 5 and $3,000 per child for children ages 6 to 17.
 
The historic relief package also authorized advance monthly payments of the Child Tax Credit through December 2021. President Biden's administration has announced that Missourians can expect to see these payments hit their bank accounts starting July 15th, and qualifying families can get up to:

- $300 a month per child for children ages 0 to 5.

- $250 a month per child for children ages 6 to 17.

Families will get their remaining expanded Child Tax Credit when they file their 2021 tax return.

Who Qualifies for the Child Tax Credit Advance Monthly Payments?
 
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 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.
 
In Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, nearly 49,000 households will begin getting this relief automatically starting next month, covering 91% of children and lifting 11,000 children out of poverty, according to data from the House Appropriations Committee.

How Do I Get My Payment?
 
Nearly all families should get their monthly payments automatically beginning July 15th with no further action required. If you have filed tax returns for 2019 or 202, 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 15th 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 be able to determine their eligibility, check the status of their payments, and more at IRS.gov/childtaxcredit2021 later this month.

Please Watch Out For Scams
 
According to IRS.gov: "The IRS urges everyone to be on the lookout for scams related to both Advance Child Tax Credit Payments and Economic Impact Payments. The IRS emphasized that the only way to get either of these benefits is by either filing a tax return with the IRS or registering online through the Non-filer Sign-up tool, exclusively on IRS.gov. Any other option is a scam.
 
"Watch out for scams using email, phone calls or texts related to the payments. Be careful and cautious: the IRS never sends unsolicited electronic communications asking for anyone to open attachments or visit a non-governmental web site."

Help is Here, and I'm Here to Help
 
As we continue to recover from the devastating COVID-19 pandemic, please take care of yourself, your family, and your neighbors. 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.

Sincerely,

Emanuel Cleaver, II
Member of Congress

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