First of all---you have to be using the CD/download for a 2021 return. You cannot use the online program for a 2021 return. Online is only for 2022 and will only use the tax laws for 2022, which are different.
And, you might have a higher income for 2021 which causes a "phase out" of the amount of child tax credit you can receive.
From the IRS:
Q C2. Can my Child Tax Credit amount be reduced based on the amount of my 2021 income? (added June 1...
A2. Yes. The Child Tax Credit phases out in two different steps based on your modified adjusted gross income (AGI) in 2021.
The first phaseout can reduce the Child Tax Credit to $2,000 per child.
- That is, the first phaseout step can reduce only the $1,600 increase for qualifying children ages 5 and under, and the $1,000 increase for qualifying children ages 6 through 17, at the end of 2021.
The second phaseout can reduce the remaining Child Tax Credit below $2,000 per child.
For additional information on the amounts of modified AGI that reduce the 2021 Child Tax Credit, see Q C4 and Q C5, below.
Q C4. How does the first phaseout reduce the 2021 Child Tax Credit to $2,000 per child? (added June ...
A4. The Child Tax Credit begins to be reduced to $2,000 per child if your modified AGI in 2021 exceeds:
- $150,000 if married and filing a joint return or if filing as a qualifying widow or widower;
- $112,500 if filing as head of household; or
- $75,000 if you are a single filer or are married and filing a separate return.
The first phaseout reduces the Child Tax Credit by $50 for each $1,000 (or fraction thereof) by which your modified AGI exceeds the income threshold described above that is applicable to you.
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