Child Tax Credit (CTC)

1. How it Works

CTC allows people with qualifying children to lessen their federal income tax by up to $2,000. You can claim both CTC and the credit for Child and Dependent Care expenses.

Update: Due to COVID-19, all in-person tax prep services have been suspended under the NYC Free Tax Prep program. Prepare and file your federal income tax return for free using tax preparation and filing software through IRS Free File.

File your taxes by July 15, 2020. Effective 3/20/2020 income tax filing deadline is extended.
To qualify, a child or dependent must be a US citizen or resident and have a Social Security number. They also must have lived with you for over half the year.
You can claim your child, stepchild, adopted child, foster child, grandchild, or great-grandchild
If you have siblings, step-siblings, or half-siblings that live with you, you can also claim them
If you qualify, the government mails your refund or deposits it into your bank account
Refunds for filers who claim CTC will not be distributed until February 15

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2. Determine Your Eligibility

2. Determine your eligibility

To be eligible for Child Tax Credit you should be able to answer yes to these questions:

Do you have a child or dependent who is under 17 years old?
Is your dependent a US citizen, a US national, or a permanent resident?
Has your dependent lived with you for over half of the year?
Is your dependent claimed on your tax return?

Take a short survey to see if you might be eligible for this or 30 other programs.

Am I Eligible?

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3. What You Need to Include

3. What you need to include

It’s important to include the right documents when you apply. Your documents show whether the program is right for you.

This page can help you choose the right documents for your application.

If you want to receive your refund through direct deposit, you will need banking information (voided check and/or savings deposit slip). You should bring a copy of last year’s return, if it is available. The income documents listed are necessary to file your taxes.

For each person applying, any one document:

Driver license or official photo ID
Social Security Card for dependents
Social Security Card or ITIN

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4. How to Apply

4. How to apply

Here are your options.

The City can help you find a website where you can file your taxes for free.

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Tax relief for parents