Monthly Child Tax Credit Payments Begin

Millions of American families have started receiving monthly Child Tax Credit payments.

Millions of American families have started receiving monthly Child Tax Credit payments as direct deposits begin posting in bank accounts and checks arrive in mailboxes.

This first batch of advance monthly payments worth roughly $15 billion reached about 35 million families across the country. About 86% were sent by direct deposit.

The payments will continue each month through the remainder of 2021. Tools available on IRS.gov can help determine eligibility for the advance Child Tax Credit as well as help you file a simplified tax return to sign up for these payments and other credits you may be eligible to receive, including Economic Impact Payments. This is especially important if you normally aren’t required to file a tax return.

Payment Schedule

Under the American Rescue Plan, each payment is up to $300 per month for each child under age 6 and up to $250 per month for each child ages 6 through 17. Typically, if you receive a payment this month, you will also receive a payment each month for the rest of 2021 unless you unenroll.  Besides the July 15 payment, upcoming payment dates are August 13, September 15, October 15, November 15, and December 15.

Here Are Further Details on These Payments

• You will see the direct deposit payment in your account starting July 15. Paper checks will arrive by mail shortly thereafter.
• Payments went to eligible families who filed 2019 or 2020 income tax returns.
• Tax returns processed by June 28 are reflected in these payments. This includes people who don’t typically file a return, but during 2020 successfully registered for Economic Impact Payments using the IRS Non-Filers tool or in 2021 successfully used the Non-filer Sign-up Tool for Advance CTC.
• Payments are automatic. Aside from filing a tax return, including a simplified return from the Non-Filer Sign-Up tool, you don’t have to do anything if you are eligible to receive monthly payments.

Additional information is available on a special Advance Child Tax Credit 2021 page, designed to provide the most up-to-date information about the credit and the advance payments. It’s at IRS.gov/childtaxcredit2021.