Can the irs refuse my child tax credit because I did not file a 2020 return? I only got my 1st stimulus payment as well after my bank account closed. No 2nd or 3rd came?

linalou14 — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 05:37:09 GMT

I was told they were going to send them by mail?

Re: Can the irs refuse my child tax credit because I did not file a 2020 return? I only got my 1st stimulus payment as well after my bank account closed. No 2nd or 3rd came?

NCperson — Wed, 06 Jul 2022 10:39:48 GMT

@linalou14 - What is prompting your question?

1) the way to get the 2nd stimulus is to file a 2020 tax return. There is no other way.

2) the way to get the 3rd stimulus is to file a 2021 tax return THere is no other way.

3) the child tax credit is only paid via the tax return. IF you are saying you didn't get the Advance payments in 2021, it doesn't matter as that will all get paid out on the 2021 tax return

Can the IRS refuse the CTC because you didn't file in 2020? NO

Re: Can the irs refuse my child tax credit because I did not file a 2020 return? I only got my 1st stimulus payment as well after my bank account closed. No 2nd or 3rd came?

xmasbaby0 — Wed, 06 Jul 2022 11:57:57 GMT

There are no "portals" on which you can get the stimulus payments or the child tax credit. The ONLY way, as already stated, for you to get those credits is to file tax returns for 2020 and 2021. Those are two separate tax returns that must be prepared and filed separately. You cannot file them together in any way.

If you need to file a 2020 tax return:

Online preparation and e-filing for 2018 and 2019 and 2020 is permanently closed.

To file a return for a prior tax year

If you need to prepare a return for 2018, 2019 or 2020 you can purchase and download desktop software to do it, then print, sign, and mail the return(s)

https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/past-years-products/

You may also want to explore purchasing the software from various retailers such as Amazon, Costco, Best Buy, Walmart, Sam’s, etc.

Remember to prepare your state return as well—if you live in a state that has a state income tax.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/state-taxes/help/how-do-i-contact-my-state-department-of-revenue/00/25573

When you mail a tax return, you need to attach any documents showing tax withheld, such as your W-2’s or any 1099’s. Use a mailing service that will track it, such as UPS or certified mail so you will know the IRS/state received the return.

Federal and state returns must be in separate envelopes and they are mailed to different addresses. Read the mailing instructions that print with your tax return carefully so you mail them to the right addresses.

Note: The desktop software you need to prepare the prior year return must be installed/downloaded to a full PC or Mac. It cannot be used on a mobile device.

If you are getting a refund, there is not a penalty for filing past the deadline. If you owe taxes, the interest/penalties will be calculated by the IRS based on how much you owe and when they receive your return and payment. The IRS will bill you for this; it will not be calculated by TurboTax.

The first EIP --or stimulus check--- was issued in 2020 It was for $1200 for adults and $500 for a dependent under the age of 17. The IRS used information from either your 2019 or 2020 tax return to issue those checks so they could send them out in a hurry.

The 2nd EIP or stimulus was issued in late 2020 or early 2021 and was $600 for adults and $600 for dependents under age 17.

If you did not receive the 1st and/or 2nd stimulus check you can get it by filing a 2020 tax return and using the recovery rebate credit in Federal Review. It will end up on line 30 of a 2020 tax return and will be added to your refund (or reduce your tax due).

The 3rd EIP--or stimulus check-- was sent out in mid-March or later in 2021 and was for $1400 per person--adults and dependents no age limit.

If you did not get the 3rd EIP payment you can get it by filing a 2021 tax return and using the recovery rebate credit in Federal Review. The credit will go on line 30 of your Form 1040 and will add to your refund (or reduce your tax due).

As for getting the child tax credit:

You must claim your child as a dependent on a 2021 tax return.

Make sure you have entered your child as a dependent in My Info, and that you have entered the child's Social Security number. Careful— do not say that your child’s SSN is not valid for employment. If your child was born in 2021make sure you said he lived with you the whole year. There is an oddly worded question that asks if the child paid over half their own support. Say NO to that question.

Federal>Deductions and Credits>You and Your Family>Child Tax Credit

The IRS is sending out letter 6419 to you. It will show the amount of advance child tax credit that you received during 2021. Enter the information from that letter carefully.

The remaining amount of CTC that you can receive will show up on line 28 of your 2021 Form 1040. Then it will calculate down to the refund you see on line 35a or the tax due on line 37.

PREVIEW 1040

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1901539-how-do-i-preview-my-turbotax-online-return-before-filing

Click on Tax Tools on the left side of the screen. Click on Tools. Click on View Tax Summary. Click on Preview my 1040 on the left side of the screen.

NOTE: The CTC is indeed a “credit” that can be applied toward any tax liability that you would otherwise have to pay as “tax due” to the IRS.

topic Can the irs refuse my child tax credit because I did not file a 2020 return? I only got my 1st stimulus payment as well after my bank account closed. No 2nd or 3rd came? in After you file

Can the irs refuse my child tax credit because I did not file a 2020 return? I only got my 1st stimulus payment as well after my bank account closed. No 2nd or 3rd came?

Re: Can the irs refuse my child tax credit because I did not file a 2020 return? I only got my 1st stimulus payment as well after my bank account closed. No 2nd or 3rd came?

Re: Can the irs refuse my child tax credit because I did not file a 2020 return? I only got my 1st stimulus payment as well after my bank account closed. No 2nd or 3rd came?