The Internal Revenue Service is still trying to deliver 2021 tax year Child Tax Credit money, this time focusing on families in Puerto Rico.
The tax break amount was increased last tax year to a potential maximum of $3,600 for each child ages 5 and younger, and up to $3,000 for youngsters ages 6 through 17.
It’s also a fully refundable tax credit for the 2021 tax year.
And COVID-prompted American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) changes to the Child Tax Credit also made the tax break available to more residents of the U.S. island territory.
ARPA removed temporarily the provision that limited the credit amount for Puerto Ricans to the amount of Social Security and self-employment taxes paid during the year.
It also allowed Puerto Ricans with smaller families to obtain the Child Tax Credit. Before this temporary change, families on the island were eligible for the tax credit only if they had three children.
Filing required to get the money: However, to get the newly increased and available Child Tax Credit, qualifying Puerto Rican families must file a tax return.
These taxpayers have several filing options, such as hiring a reputable tax preparer, heading to the website MyFreeTaxes.com to file a Form 1040-PR, or getting help at a VITA site that’s still in service.
But the easiest way is to go to ChildTaxCredit.gov, the special website created by the non-profit Code for America in collaboration with the White House and the Treasury Department.
Specifically, Puerto Rican families should use the site’s free GetCTC online filing tool, which became operational yesterday, July 14. It’s available in English and Spanish, and lets eligible individuals file for the Child Tax Credit amounts they’ve yet to receive.
“Opening access to the GetCTC portal for Puerto Rico residents brings us one step closer to equity in the Child Tax Credit,” said Charlotte Gossett Navarro, Chief Director, Hispanic Federation Puerto Rico. “This new tool will make it much simpler for eligible families who have not yet filed to do so for free and with the support of trusted community organizations. Thousands of families have already received their benefit, and I hope with GetCTC we can soon reach all families in Puerto Rico.”
Years to claim it: To complete the Child Tax Credit filing process, you just need to enter some basic personal information. This includes your name, Social Security number, number of children, and address
And don’t worry that the April 18 Tax Day for 2021 filings has passed. If you aren’t required to file a return, you won’t be penalized now for filing one so you can claim the Child Tax Credit.
In fact, notes the IRS, families in Puerto Rico who don’t owe 2021 tax year taxes have until April 15, 2025, to file that year’s return and claim the credit without facing any penalty.
But why wait? Get your computer or mobile device, head to the GetCTC online filing tool, and claim your 2021 Child Tax Credit amount now.
The IRS has more online guidance for residents of Puerto Rico who want to claim the Child Tax Credit. The tax agency also created the following video on the topic.
You also might find these items of interest:
- 10 states have their own child tax credits
- Child Tax Credit online filing portal is open again
- 10 reasons to file a tax return even if you don’t have to
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