What is the Child Tax Credit?
The Child Tax Credit is 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 Credit?
To qualify for the Child Tax Credit, you must have had a child under age 17 living with you for more than half of 2014.
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 credit 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, SNAP/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. Search by zip code or the name of your town for a tax clinic near you that can help you fill out all the paperwork for free.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, 2014, talk to a tax preparer to find out what to do. You can talk to one for free at a tax clinic near you.