Child Tax Credits

What are the Child Tax Credits?

There are two Child Tax Credits.  They are a way for people with children to pay less taxes and get money back from the IRS.

How much money can I get?

You can get up to $1,000 per child.

Do I qualify for the Child Tax Credits?

To qualify for the Child Tax Credits, you must have had a child under age 17 living with you for more than half of 2007.

The child can be your own child or another child who is related to you, such as a brother or sister, niece, nephew, stepchild, or a foster child.

 

I am not a U.S. citizen. Can I still get the Child Tax Credit?

If you qualify for the credits but you are not a US citizen, you can still get these credits if you and the child both have valid Social Security Numbers or Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs).

 

Will the money I get count against my public benefits? 

No. It will not count against welfare, Food Stamps, SSI, Medicaid, or public housing. But some benefits programs may have rules about how long you can keep it in your bank account without spending it. 

Can I get free help filing my taxes and getting the money for these credits?

Yes. There is a program called Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) which can help you fill out all the paperwork for free.

 Search by zip code for a free tax clinic near you, or call 1-800-829-1040.

 

What if I file my tax return late?

You should be able to get the credit even if you file late, but in some cases you may have to pay a penalty for filing late.  If you can not file your tax return by April 15, 2008, talk to a tax preparer to find out what to do.  You can talk to one for free at Volunteer Income Tax Advocates (VITA).