Internal Revenue Service - Information Release
IR-2022-21
IRS issues 2021 Filing Season frequently asked questions, information to help taxpayers preparing their 2021 returns   
January 31, 2022 
   
   
   
Media Relations Office
Washington, D.C.
www.IRS.gov/newsroom   
Media Contact: 202.317.4000   
Public Contact: 800.829.1040
   
 IRS issues 2021 Filing Season frequently asked questions,    
 information to help taxpayers preparing their    
 2021 returns    
   
IR-2022-21, January 31, 2022   
   
WASHINGTON -- These frequently asked questions (FAQs) are released to the public in Fact Sheet 2022-06  PDF, January 31, 2022.   
     
The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021 expanded the Child Tax Credit (CTC) for tax year 2021 only. These Child Tax Credit FAQs focus on information helpful to taxpayers preparing their tax year 2021 tax returns.   
     
Recipients of  advance Child Tax Credit payments   will need to compare the amount of payments received during 2021 with the amount of the Child Tax Credit that can be claimed on their 2021 tax return.   
     
Those that received less than the amount they are eligible for can claim a credit for the remaining amount. Those that received more than they are eligible for may need to repay some or all of the excess amount.   
     
The IRS has sent  Letter 6419   in January 2022 to provide the total amount of advance Child Tax Credit payments that were received in 2021. The IRS urges taxpayers receiving these letters to make sure they hold onto them to assist them in preparing their 2021 federal tax returns in 2022.   
     
These FAQs contain the following topics:   
     
- Topic A: 2021 Child Tax Credit Basics    
     
- Topic B: Eligibility Rules for Claiming the 2021 Child Tax Credit on a 2021 Tax Return    
     
- Topic C: Reconciling Advance Child Tax Credit Payments and Claiming the 2021 Child Tax Credit on Your 2021 Tax Return    
     
- Topic D: Claiming the 2021 Child Tax Credit If You Don't Normally File a Tax Return    
     
- Topic E: Commonly Asked Immigration-Related Questions    
     
More information about reliance is available.   
     
IRS-FAQ