The IRS is asking parents to utilize the online portal to update all tax information before the tax year finishes.
Your information needs to be updated or you may end up repaying any overpayments to the IRS.
Parents that were sent the entire amount of child tax credits that exceed the amount they can actually claim, may need to pay the excess amount back.
Related: Parents only have a week to opt out of the last child tax credit payment
Every child under six got a total amount of $1,800 and children ages 6-17 got $1,500.
If your child turns 18 before 2021 ends then they aren’t eligible for a payment.
To put it simply, a 17-year-old on a 2020 tax return who turns 18 in 2021 doesn’t qualify.
The amount you get paid is based on your 2020 or 2019 tax return. It’s also based on any updates that you provided the IRS in 2021.
Due to life and situations changing, the IRS may have sent you more than the credit you were allowed.
What can cause overpayment and is there a way to remain protected?
Changes may be as simple as a qualifying child no longer living with you in 2021.
Income increase could also change it.
Related: Americans are waiting for their lump sum of $1,800 to go Christmas shopping, are you eligible?
Filing status changes may change the amount you’re allowed, and if you lived outside the U.S. for over half of the year you might have received more than you’re entitled to.
If you were paid too much, you may need to pay it back in 2022.
Some people will qualify for full payment protection, and will not need to repay the excess funds given to them.
If your home was in the U.S. for over half of the year and you had certain modified AGI you qualify.
AGI to qualify is $60,000 or less if filing jointly or as a widower, $50,000 if filing as head of household, and $40,000 if filing single or separate.
You do not qualify if your AGI is $120,000 married filing jointly or as a widower, $100,000 as head of household, or $80,000 if filing single.
A letter called Letter 6419 will be sent to families detailing what they were paid in 2021 for their 2022 tax returns.
Related: The Child Tax Credit is fully refundable, here’s what that means
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