Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP) has published: What Families Need to Know about the CTC in 2022 | CLASP.  As pointed out by CLASP to get the remaining half of the credit eligible families must file a tax return this year.

So, if a parent made little or no income last year—they are still eligible for the CTC and must file a tax return to get it. Parents who did not receive the monthly payments by their own choice or because they failed to make adjustments through the IRS website will need to file a tax return to get their entire 2021 CTC payment. One child may result in a $3600 credit (under age 6) or $3000 (6 through 17 years).

Parents should also file their tax return to claim new babies who were born in 2021 or any other children for whom they didn’t get advance payments in 2021. Even if a baby was born as late as December 2021, that baby would still be eligible for the full $3,600 CTC payment when their family files a 2021 tax return.

HFA partners with the Administration for Children and Families to recognize Child Tax Credit (CTC) Awareness Day

June 21, 2021

Starting July 15 and through the end of the year, most families will receive a monthly payment of $300 per child under 6 and $250 per child ages 6-17. The IRS has launched a simplified online tool which will allow families not automatically enrolled in the program because they did not have to file taxes last year to receive the Child Tax Credit. Families can also visit ChildTaxCredit.gov to learn more about this important benefit.

Coupled with other investments in the American Rescue Plan, the Child Tax Credit will help cut child poverty in half. The specific impacts to families include:

• All working families will get the full credit if they make up to $150,000 for a couple or $112,500 for a family with a single parent. Families that earn more will get a smaller credit.
• Roughly 39 million households –covering 65 million children (nearly 90% of children in the United States) –will automatically receive the new child tax credit.
• Four in five families who are automatically enrolled will receive their benefit via direct deposit with no additional action required and those who do not have a bank account on file with the IRS will receive their benefit through the mail.

The American Rescue Plan provides access to the new Child Tax Credit in 2021, but families need support beyond just this year.  This simple and straightforward benefit will make an enormous difference to children and families who have been hard-hit by the pandemic by supporting households in meeting their basic needs.