Washington, DC – U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) urges Texans to file their taxes as soon as possible and receive the historic tax cuts created by the American Rescue Plan, which have slashed child poverty to record lows. In 2021, Cuellar delivered approximately $309 million in tax cuts for nearly 203,000 qualifying children in Texas-28 through the expanded Child Tax Credit, according to estimates from the Joint Economic Committee (Texas-specific report HERE). And many of these families will see even more tax cuts when they file their taxes this year

Eligible families can ensure they receive the expanded Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit by filing their tax returns. Start the process by reviewing your tax filing options at ChildTaxCredit.gov, GetYourRefund.org, or by calling Congressman Cuellar’s office at 202-225-1640.

“When Democrats passed the historic American Rescue Plan in March, the health and well-being of our working families was top of mind,” said Congressman Cuellar. “The law took a page out of FDR’s handbook, sending direct relief to get Texans back on their feet and reopen schools and businesses safely. By filing their taxes by April 18th, hardworking Texans can make sure they receive reliable and consistent resources to support their families through this public health crisis. For anyone needing assistance with the IRS or any other federal agency, please don't hesitate to contact my office at 202-225-1640.”

The American Rescue Plan, signed by President Biden in March 2021, represents one of the largest middle class tax cuts in American history. The law expanded the amount of the Child Tax Credit and provided families with advance monthly payments totaling up to one-half of the credit, cutting child poverty by 40%. The law also expanded the Earned Income Tax Credit, increasing the amount working people with no qualifying children between 19 and 65 are eligible for from $543 to up to $1,502. To claim these funds, Texans must file a 2021 tax return, so the IRS has the information needed to calculate and issue their full payments. 

Here are some key facts about the Child Tax Credit:

• It is not taxable, including the advance monthly payments received last year.
• Families can get their Child Tax Credit by filing a tax return this year, including those who received part of their Child Tax Credit as advance monthly payments last year. 
• Receiving it will have no impact on anyone’s eligibility for, or lower the amount of, other federal benefits.
• If you qualified for advance monthly Child Tax Credit payments but did not receive them, you will receive the full credit amount when you file your tax returns.
• Anyone, including grandparents, who are legal guardians may be eligible for the Child Tax Credit.

More information about the Child Tax Credit and tax filing can be found HERE.

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