Advance Child Tax Credit Payments in 2021

Under the American Rescue Plan of 2021, advance payments of up to half the 2021 Child Tax Credit were sent to eligible taxpayers. The Child Tax Credit Update portal is no longer available, but you can see your advance payments total in your online account.

Reconciling Advance Payments on Your 2021 Tax Return

If you received advance payments of the Child Tax Credit, you need to reconcile (compare) the total you received with the amount you’re eligible to claim. To reconcile advance payments on your 2021 return, follow these steps:

1. Get your advance payments total and number of qualifying children in your online account.
2. Enter your information on Schedule 8812 (Form 1040).
3. You can also refer to letter 6419.

Reconciling Advance Payments for Married Filing Jointly

If you received advance payments based on a joint return, each spouse is treated as having received half of the payments, unless one of you unenrolled. To reconcile your advance payments on your 2021 tax return, add your advance payments total to your spouse’s advance payments total. Each of you can find your advance payments total in your online account.

If Letter 6419 Has a Different Advance Payments Total

For the majority of taxpayers, the advance payments total in letter 6419 will match the total in your online account. If the advance payments total differs between your Letter 6419 and your online account, rely on the total in your online account. Your online account has the most current advance payment information. Do not rely on Tax Transcripts for the advance payments total. Keep letter 6419 for your tax records.

Frequently Asked Questions: Reconciling Your Advance Payments

If You Didn't Receive Advance Payments

You can claim the full amount of the 2021 Child Tax Credit if you’re eligible — even if you don’t normally file a tax return. To claim the full Child Tax Credit, file a 2021 tax return.

Who is Eligible for Advance Payments?

To be eligible for advance payments of the Child Tax Credit, you (and your spouse, if married filing jointly) must have:

• Filed a 2019 or 2020 tax return and claimed the Child Tax Credit on the return, or
• Entered your information in 2020 to get stimulus (Economic Impact) payments with the Non-Filers: Enter Payment Info Here tool, or
• Given us your information in 2021 with the Non-Filer: Submit Your Information tool

And you (and your spouse, if married filing jointly) must also have:

• Lived in a main home in the United States for more than half the year (the 50 states and the District of Columbia) or filed a joint return with a spouse who has a main home in the United States for more than half the year
• A qualifying child who is under age 18 at the end of 2021 and who has a valid Social Security number
• Made less than certain income limits.

More Information

For more information, you can refer to the following resources:

• Resources and guidance for Puerto Rico families that may qualify for the Child Tax Credit
• Tax year 2021/Filing season 2022 Child Tax Credit frequently asked questions
• 2021 Child Tax Credit and Advance Payment frequently asked questions
• 2021 Child Tax Credit and Advance Child Tax Credit payments: Resources and guidance
• Understanding your letter 6416 or letter 6416-A
• Understanding your letter 6417