What tax credits are available to me as a new parent?
The Child Tax Credit is available to filers with one or more children. However, not all parents are eligible. Parents must meet residency requirements and income limits before they can claim the Child Tax Credit on their tax return.
The Child Tax Credit is worth up to $2,000 per qualifying child and is partially refundable, so a parent may benefit from the credit even if they have no tax liability.
Is the Child Tax Credit prorated if my child was born at or near the end of the year?
The Child Tax Credit is not prorated. You may receive the entire Child Tax Credit for an eligible dependent, even if your child was born on Dec. 31. You will receive the same amount of Child Tax Credit as you would receive if the qualifying child were born on Jan. 1.
How do I claim the Child Tax Credit?
The Child Tax Credit is claimed by filing a Form 1040 individual tax return and attaching a completed Schedule 8812. The Child Tax Credit can be claimed for each qualifying child who has a valid Social Security number.
To qualify, the child must be under 17 at the end of the year. Generally, the child must live with you for at least half of the year, and you must provide at least half of the child’s support during the year.
In addition to other eligibility requirements, there are income limits for claiming the Child Tax Credit. A qualifying parent needs to have the following modified adjusted gross income:
- $200,000 or less for those who file single, head of household, or married filing separately.
- $400,000 or less for those who file married filing jointly.
If taxpayers exceed those income limits, the credit is reduced by $50 for each $1,000 of additional income above the threshold until the credit is eliminated completely.
What other tax deductions may I be eligible for as a parent?
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a refundable credit available to low- and moderate-income workers. Eligibility depends on a number of factors, including your filing status, your earned income, your investment income, and the number of dependents you claim on your tax return.
The Child and Dependent Care Credit is available for taxpayers who paid expenses for the care of their children so that the taxpayer could work or look for work. If you are married, your spouse must also be working or actively looking for work. This credit is typically not available for taxpayers who file married filing separately.
If you, your spouse, or a dependent studied at an eligible educational institution, you may be able to receive education credits on your tax return. Depending on your situation, you may be eligible for either the American Opportunity Tax Credit or the Lifetime Learning Credit.
Can I amend a prior year’s tax return if I forgot to claim the credit?
Yes, you can amend a prior year’s tax return if you did not claim the Child Tax Credit on the original return. However, there are some limitations. Generally, an amended tax return must be filed within three years of the original tax return filing date or within two years of when you paid any tax due, whichever is later. If you filed your tax return before the due date, it will be considered as filed on the due date when calculating the three-year period.
In most cases, you should wait until your original tax return has been processed before filing an amended return. If the IRS begins processing your amended return before your original return, it may cause delays.
It can be difficult to know which credits you qualify for and how to claim them on your tax return. Leaning on a tax professional can save you time and money while also providing you peace of mind.
Please note: This page offers general legal information, not but not legal advice tailored for your specific legal situation. Rocket Lawyer Incorporated isn't a law firm or a substitute for one. For further information on this topic, you can Ask a Legal Pro.
