In 2021, half of the expansion child tax credit payments were disbursed in advance by the IRS. As tax season approaches, it’s time for recipients to get the rest of their child tax credit money back with their 2021 tax return. In order to receive this money, you will need to seek out a letter from the IRS containing important information about your child tax credit.

The IRS began sending the first of these important letters in late December and said more letters would be sent throughout January. The agency urges you to keep the notice as you will need it when you file your 2021 taxes.

We’ll tell you what’s in the letter and why you shouldn’t throw it away. For more information, here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming child tax credit payment. Also, here’s what to do if you encounter problems with a missing payment.

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Child tax credit: everything we know

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What is included in the IRS letter?

The IRS letter – called letter 6419 – contains important information that can help you when preparing your taxes. The notice will show the amount of child tax credit you received in 2021 and the number of eligible dependents used to calculate your total amount.

You will need to crosscheck the information to make sure it is still correct. For example, if you had a baby since your last tax return, the IRS would not have counted this dependent to determine the amount to which you are entitled. Therefore, you will need to make sure that your information is updated when you file your tax return.

What if you don’t receive a letter from the IRS?

If you haven’t received a letter yet, keep an eye on your mailbox as the IRS is still working to send them. However, if you still haven’t received a notification by the time you’re ready to file your taxes, there could be a problem – for example, you may have moved and the agency does not yet have your current mailing address.

If you do not receive a letter by the time you have to prepare your return, you will either need to use the child tax credit portals to confirm your information or contact the IRS directly by mail or by phone at 1-800-829-1040. If you contact the IRS by mail, wait at least 30 days for a response.

What if you lose or throw away the letter 6419?

Of course, the IRS urges everyone not to throw away the letter 6419, as it is needed to confirm the amount of child tax credit advance payments as well as the number and ages of your children. If you accidentally disposed of it or lost the letter 6419, don’t panic: your child tax credit information will be available through the child tax credit portals on the IRS website.

Opening an account on the IRS site takes a little time and patience, but once logged in you will have all the information you need for the Child Tax Credit, as well as other useful information. from the IRS to prepare your taxes.

How Much Child Tax Credit Money Will You Get With Your Tax Refund?

The amount of child tax credit you receive with your tax refund depends on a number of factors. For example, if you chose not to receive monthly payments last year, then the amount of money you get will be more than someone who received all the checks. Monthly checks ranged up to $ 300 for children 5 and under, and up to $ 250 for children 6 and over.

So if you were eligible for the full amount and excluded yourself from the payments, you could get up to $ 3,600 per child with your tax refund. However, if you received all six payments in 2021, you could get up to $ 1,800 per child, depending on the age of your children.

If you are still waiting for a payment to arrive due to an IRS error, that should happen with your tax refund as well.

For more information, here is how to contact the IRS with questions about the child tax credit. As well, you may be eligible for up to $ 16,000 if you paid for child care last year.