How Do I Claim the Child Tax Credit?
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How do I claim the Child Tax Credit?
To claim the Child Tax Credit (CTC), you must file a federal income tax return with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Unless you file for an extension, you must submit your tax return by April 15th to report income for the previous tax year.
You must file a tax return to claim the Child Tax Credit even if the credit reduces your federal income taxes to zero.
If you are eligible for the Additional Child Tax Credit, you must file a tax return to get a refund payment from the government even if you are not required to file because your income is too low.
Which tax forms do I need?
If you are claiming the Child Tax Credit:
- you must file Form 1040, Form 1040A, or Form 1040NR
- you may not use Form 1040EZ or Form 1040EZ-NR
- you must use Form 1040 if:
- you itemize deductions
- you have self-employment income, unreported tips, or certain other types of income
- your taxable income is more than $100,000
- you must provide the name, Social Security number, and child's relationship to you for each qualifying child
Form 1040A is simpler than Form 1040, and most families claiming the Child Tax Credit will want to use this form if they can. Some non-resident aliens may be required to use Form 1040NR. For more information, see the IRS Tax Topic, Which Form? 1040, 1040A, or 1040EZ.
If you are claiming the Additional Child Tax Credit to get a refund payment:
- you must file 'Form 8812 - Additional Child Tax Credit' with your Form 1040, 1040A, or 1040NR
- Form 8812 determines if you can get the Additional Child Tax Credit and the amount of your refund payment
- you should complete the Child Tax Credit Worksheet from Form 1040, 1040A, or 1040NR before you fill out Form 8812
Where can I get the tax forms?
You can get the forms you need to file your tax return and apply for the Child Tax Credit in several ways:
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Online: You can download federal tax forms, instructions, and publications from the IRS Forms and Publications web site.
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By mail: Go to the IRS Forms and Publications by U.S. Mail web site. To order:
- Type the name of the form or publication you need into the search box, then click 'Search.'
- Select the form(s) you want from the list, then click 'Add to Cart.' You may order up to 10 items.
- When you have added all the forms you need to your cart, click 'Checkout.'
- Enter your shipping information.
You can only order current year tax forms by mail. You will get two copies of each form and one copy of each publication that you order. Processing and delivery of mail orders usually takes one to two weeks.
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By telephone: Call 1-800-TAX-FORM (1-800-829-3676) and follow the instructions.
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At post offices and libraries: During tax season, typically from mid-January through April 15th, you can pick up federal and state income tax forms at U.S. post offices and public libraries. The post offices and libraries usually have all of the most commonly used tax forms and instructions. You can pick up the forms for free during normal business hours.
Where can I get help with my tax return?
You can get free help with your tax return at a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site in your community. VITA sites are located in community centers, libraries, churches, shopping malls, retirement homes, and similar locations.
VITA sites are open during the tax season, usually from January through April.
To find a VITA site, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040.
At most VITA sites, you can electronically file ("e-file") your tax return for free. Electronic filing usually speeds up the processing time of your tax return. You will get a tax refund payment more quickly if you e-file than if you send in a paper tax return.
If you go to a VITA site, you should bring identification, tax records, and financial statements that the tax volunteer will need to help you with your tax return. For a list of items to bring, see Free Tax Return Preparation: Items you need to bring on the IRS web site.
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