Don't Miss Out on Thousands of Dollars: File Your Taxes Today

Press Release

Families should file federal taxes by May 17 to be eligible for thousands of dollars from the Child
Tax Credit

CHARLOTTE -- Today, Congresswoman Alma Adams (NC-12) reminded all 12th District families to file federal taxes on time to be eligible for the historic support for tens of thousands of children and families. Adams voted for the American Rescue Plan Act in order to provide urgent relief for American families. Under the expanded Child Tax Credit, payments will start on July 15.

"If you and your spouse have dependent children, it has never been more important to file your taxes on time and qualify for the expanded and improved Child Tax Credit," said Adams. "The Child Tax Credit is an essential tool for eradicating poverty, and the average eligible household in our district will receive almost $3,000. Poor, working, and middle class families who qualify for the program by filing taxes on time will receive $250 per month per child, and $300 per month for every young child. This is essential, basic income that can be spent on housing, health care, food, child care, education, and other essentials. Please make sure your children are included and eligible to receive benefits from the Child Tax Credit: file your taxes on time!"

The Washington Post reports that families will start receiving the credit soon:

"The Internal Revenue Service will on July 15 start delivering a monthly payment of $300 per child under 6 and $250 per child older than 6 for those who qualify. The monthly benefits will be deposited directly in most families' bank accounts on the 15th of every month -- or the closest day to that date, if the 15th falls on a holiday or weekend -- for the rest of the year, without any action required."

The impact of the expanded Child Tax Credit in the 12th Congressional District is immense:

84.4% of children in the 12th District will gain from the expanded and improved Child Tax Credit -- 174,100 children.
The average benefit for 52,700 eligible households is $2,900.
The expanded and improved Child Tax Credit lifts 15,000 children in NC-12 out of poverty.
Because of the larger benefit for the youngest, 5,600 kids under the age of six are raised out of poverty.
Families with children in poverty will receive $4,800 on average.
3,500 children in the 12th District will be lifted out of deep poverty.
If you need additional assistance with filing your taxes, the Internal Revenue Service's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals who may need help in preparing their own tax returns:

People who generally make $57,000 or less
Persons with disabilities; and
Limited English-speaking taxpayers
VITA services are a free, reliable, and trusted source for preparing tax returns. All volunteers who prepare returns must take and pass tax law training that meets or exceeds IRS standards. Please visit this site for more information and to find a free tax preparation site near you: https://irs.treasury.gov/freetaxprep/

Congresswoman Alma Adams represents North Carolina's 12th Congressional District (Charlotte, Mecklenburg County). In addition to leading the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, her work in Congress is focused on the "4Hs" -- Healthcare, Housing, Higher Education, and Hunger.

Source