Pritzker: Illinois Families Encouraged to Take Advantage of Expanded
Federal Child Tax Credit
File Individual Income Taxes by May 17 to qualify for payments
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[May 07, 2021]
Qualifying Illinois families may be able to claim a larger federal child
tax credit and request advanced payments in 2021 due to the recently
enacted American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (“American Rescue Plan”). To
ensure eligibility, Governor JB Pritzker is reminding all Illinois
families to file their 2020 individual income taxes by the May 17
deadline, even if they had no income to report and are generally not
required to file.
“The American Rescue Plan delivers thousands of dollars in additional
assistance to families with young children, and with the extended tax
deadline, Illinois families still have a chance to claim their fair
share,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “I encourage all residents with
children, even those who might not normally file or who don’t have
income to report, to file their individual income taxes by May 17th – 11
days from today – to ensure they get the relief they deserve.”
The child tax credit provision contained within the American Rescue Plan
temporarily increases the child tax credit from $2,000 to $3,000 per
child ($3,600 for children five and younger) and allows eligible parents
or guardians to begin receiving advances on the 2021 credit through
periodic payments of $250, beginning as early as July. Filing of a 2020
individual income tax return is required for eligibility.
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“With the extended May 17 income tax filing deadline approaching, there
is still time for families to file their 2020 individual income tax
returns,” said David Harris, Illinois Department of Revenue Director.
“For those who may need assistance, I encourage use of a qualified tax
professional. Low-to-moderate income families can receive free help
through several trusted programs across Illinois, including those
provided by the IRS, AARP and Ladder Up.”
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Qualifications for the 2021 Child Tax Credit include:
• Income of $112,500 if filing as head of household
• Income below $150,000 for filing jointly
• Income below $75,000 for single filers
• Reduced credit may be available to taxpayers with income above the
threshold amounts.
• Filer must have provided at least half of the child’s support
during the last year
• Child must have lived with tax filer for at least six months or
more
• File 2020 individual income taxes by May 17 deadline
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• If taxpayer already filed taxes, an amendment may be submitted
• If a taxpayer is unable to file by May 17, a request for extension
may be filed
“The child tax credit is bigger than ever before, which should make
things a little easier for families taking a financial hit during
the COVID-19 pandemic. We understand the importance of our economy
to fully recover from COVID-19, and caregiving responsibilities are
real for so many families,” said Grace B. Hou, Secretary, Illinois
Department of Human Services.
“I join Governor JB Pritzker and Sec. Hou in urging families with
children to take advantage of the new temporary credit that will
provide financial support to working families and unemployed people.
The child tax credit will provide eligible families with a monthly
boost worth up to $250 per month,” said State Rep. LaShawn Ford
(D-Chicago). “This extra money can help parents pay for childcare
services and cover other necessities like rent. It is not often that
the Federal Government puts money directly into the pockets of
families on Main Street.”
The American Rescue Plan also made several changes to the child and
dependent care credit for the 2021 tax year. For 2021, tax filers
with eligible children can receive a fully refundable credit equal
to 50% of up to $8,000 of childcare and similar costs for a child
under 13, or $16,000 for two or more qualifying children.
For additional information, forms, schedules, and instructions for
the 2020 tax year, please visit IDOR’s website at: tax.illinois.gov.
Have additional questions? Contact IDOR’s Taxpayer Services at
800-732-8866 or REV.TA-IIT@illinois.gov.
[Illinois Office of Communication and
Information] |