Tax year 2021/filing season 2022 Child Tax Credit frequently asked questions — Topic D: Claiming the 2021 Child Tax Credit if you don't normally file a tax return

These FAQs were released to the public in Fact Sheet 2022-28 PDF, April 27, 2022.

A1. There are many reasons why you should file a 2021 tax return.

  1. Even if you received advance Child Tax Credit payments you can potentially receive thousands of additional dollars in tax credits, including:
    • Any remaining Child Tax Credit – if you did not receive 100 percent of your Child Tax Credit through advance Child Tax Credit payments in 2021.
    • The 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit – if you did not receive the total amount of third-round Economic Impact Payments for which you were eligible.
    • The Earned Income Tax Credit – if you had any earned income during 2021.
    • The Child and Dependent Care Credit – if you paid someone to care for your child or other qualifying person so you could work or look for work.
  2. If you're eligible but didn't get any monthly advance Child Tax Credit payments in 2021, you can still get a lump-sum payment by claiming the Child Tax Credit when you file a 2021 federal income tax return during the 2022 tax filing season.
  3. If the qualifying children you listed on your 2019 or 2020 tax return (including information you entered in the Non-Filer Tool in 2020 or 2021 to file a federal income tax return with the IRS are the same qualifying children you had in 2021, you likely only received a total amount of advance Child Tax Credit payments equal to half of your Child Tax Credit in 2021. You need to file a 2021 tax return to claim the remaining 2021 Child Tax Credit.

A2. Yes. If you need help filing your tax return, IRS.gov offers you two options to file your federal income tax return for free:

  • IRS Free File Online Tax Preparation: This option lets you prepare and file your federal income tax return online for free using online tax preparation and filing options on IRS partner sites.
  • IRS Free File Fillable Forms: This option provides you with electronic federal tax forms you can fill out and file online for free.
    • No Income Requirement: You can use Free File Fillable Forms, regardless of your income.
    • Warning: If you choose this option, you would need to know how to prepare your own tax return or be able to follow the instructions to the Form 1040.

A3. You have the two following types of options, one of which you can receive for free if you qualify.

  • Professional tax return preparers: There are various types of tax return preparers, including certified public accountants, enrolled agents, attorneys, and others who can assist you in filing your return. For more information about these and other return preparers who might be right for you, visit Need someone to prepare your tax return?
  • Free tax return preparation for qualifying taxpayers: The IRS's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs offer free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals. To learn more and to find a VITA or TCE site near you, visit IRS Free Tax Return Preparation on IRS.gov.

The fastest way for you to get your tax refund is by filing electronically and choosing direct deposit. For more details, including information about what to do if you don't have a bank account, see the direct deposit information on IRS.gov.

A4. Yes. If you're eligible but did not receive any monthly advance Child Tax Credit payments in 2021, you can still get a lump-sum payment by claiming the Child Tax Credit on your 2021 federal income tax return filed during the 2022 tax filing season.

Important: You may also be eligible to claim other credits on your 2021 federal income tax return. These include:

  • The 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit – if you didn't receive the total amount of third-round Economic Impact Payments for which you were eligible.
  • The Earned Income Tax Credit – if you had any earned income during 2021.
  • The Child and Dependent Care Credit – if you paid someone to care for your child or other qualifying person so you could work or look for work.