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Get back to this page: https://access.nyc.gov/programs/child-tax-credit-ctc/
Tax relief for parents
Child Tax Credit (CTC) | NYC Department of Consumer Affairs / IRS
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
Next section:
More ways to get help with this program
Visit the website
Visit the NYC Department of Consumer Affairs website for more information.
Call 311
Ask for tax preparation assistance.
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?Next section:
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.
Proof of who you are
For each person applying, any one document:
- Driver license or official photo ID
- Social Security Card for dependents
- Social Security Card or ITIN
Proof of your income
For each income source of each income earner, any one document:
Wages & Salary
- W2 form
Self-employment
- Records of earnings and expenses and/or 1099-Misc
Income from Rent or Room and Board
- Document that shows amount of income
Child Support or Alimony
- Alimony check stub
- Child support check stub
Unemployment Income
- 1099-G
Social Security Benefits (SSI, Dependent, Disability, Survivor’s, or Retirement)
- Correspondence from Social Security Administration
Pensions, Annuities, or IRA
- 1099-R
Interest/dividends/royalties
- 1099-DIV
- 1099-INT
Next section:
4. How to apply
Here are your options.
Apply online
The City can help you find a website where you can file your taxes for free.
http://www1.nyc.gov/site/dca/consumers/file-your-taxes.page File online
Apply in person
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.
If you earn $64,000 or less (with children) or $45,000 or less (without children), you may be eligible to get your taxes done in-person for free.
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More ways to get help with this program
Visit the website
Visit the NYC Department of Consumer Affairs website for more information.
Call 311
Ask for tax preparation assistance.