When the pandemic hit, the federal government provided families with an enhanced child credit that was distributed monthly to help those who acted as the primary caregiver to children under age 18 deal with the massive disruption to the economy, job losses, and the cost of living.
Ahead, what are the updated instructions for Form 1040 (Schedule 8812), and who will be eligible for a credit in 2022?
Schedule 8812 (Form 1040) helps Americans calculate their child tax credit eligibility. If you want to file for child tax credits, you can use Schedule 8812 (Form 1040) to claim your tax credit. Using this form, you can calculate your credits, determine if you owe any taxes to the IRS, and estimate how much you are entitled to.
A tax credit is given to eligible taxpayers to help reduce their tax liabilities (the tax owed to a government). Some credits are refundable. In the case of refundable credits, the individual will receive a tax refund if the tax credit is more than what is owed as tax.
Starting in 2018, the Child Tax Credit doubled to $2,000 per qualifying child (from $1,000 per child previously), and through the Additional Child Tax Credit, you can claim up to $1,400.
In 2022 the federal government will not be providing advanced child tax credit payments. Stimulus payments were designed to help families offset significant increases in costs and unemployment hardships due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Still, while the advanced child tax credit payments will not be available in 2022, you may be eligible for a one-time tax refund. Once you complete the form, you can calculate the amount of your child tax credit, and you do not need to file separately for this tax credit.
You need to know if your dependents meet all qualifying requirements before you can claim the Additional Child Tax Credit on Schedule 8812 (Form 1040). A qualifying child can be your daughter, son, blood or step-sibling, stepchild, foster child, or the descendants of any of the above. The child cannot turn 17 before the end of the tax year or contribute more than half of their financial support, and each child claimed must have lived with you for more than half of the tax year.
Review the IRS website for further information on who qualifies as a dependent child for the credit.
In addition to meeting those requirements, you need to claim the child as a dependent on your tax return to apply for the Additional Child Tax Credit.
You should complete file IRS Schedule 8812 (Form 1040) when you complete your IRS tax forms each year. Claim your child tax credit along with your other credits for 2022 by April 18, 2023. Those that miss the deadline can have an extension. However, it is recommended that you file taxes by the deadline.
Individuals with a total credit amount greater than taxes owed may receive a child tax credit for 2022. However, you will not receive a refund if you owe more taxes than your child tax credit. The refund amount may come via check or as a direct deposit.
To help you get your return as soon as possible and avoid IRS delays, family caregivers can file their federal and state tax returns using Givers Taxes starting January 17. Your tax return will be submitted as soon as the IRS begins accepting returns.
Filing for Schedule 8812 (Form 1040) is relatively easy, and you do not need to complete a separate application to receive the credit. Download the IRS form at www.irs.gov/Schedule8812. Follow the IRS form 8812 instructions carefully. Complete the form along with your regular taxes.
You will need to complete the form using the Schedule 8812 instructions and enter the results on your Form 1040. Then, include the completed schedule with your tax return.
You'll use Schedule 8812 to calculate your Additional Child Tax Credit. For the 2022 tax season, there are two parts to this form:
Several helpful virtual tax services help taxpayers navigate the confusing world of taxes. Givers Taxes will help you complete Schedule 8812 (Form 1040) and other tax forms. Givers Taxes enables you to calculate whether or not you are eligible for a child tax credit this year.
If you need help filing for taxes, work with a certified accountant or use a service like Givers Taxes to help you complete your taxes correctly. Once you file your taxes, the IRS will automatically apply the credit toward your taxes. Any amount left after using the credit for taxes owed will be sent to the filer.
