I didn't file my tax refund for the child tax credit in 2016, do I have to wait until January 2018 to file, or can I get my refund now?

[VolvoGirl]

Did you file a return for 2016?  You either have to file a return or amend your 2016 return for it.  You don't have to wait.  But if you need to amend it will take them 16 weeks to process an amended return.

How to amend <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/3402261-how-do-i-amend-my-2016-turbotax-online-return">https://ttl...>

[jroby_]

No, I didn't file a return for 2016. How do I file? And when would I receive my funds?

[Hal_Al · Accepted solution]

The money you hear about people getting for just filing a tax return claiming kids requires you to  have some earned income (wages or self employment). Without earned income, you are not eligible for the "refundable" Earned Income Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit.

The child tax credit (CTC) is not something you "file for". You file a normal tax return and If you are entitled to it,  TurboTax (TT) will automatically give  you the CTC

The child tax credit  is  limited to your tax liability. The CTC is a non-refundable credit and can only reduce your income tax to 0, It can not help you beyond eliminating your tax liability. But, if you have more than $3000 of earned income, some or all of it is usually given back to you thru the "Additional Child tax credit" (ACTC). That is, part of the CTC may be on line 43 of form 1040A instead of line 35 (lines 67 & 52 of form 1040).    The ACTC is calculated on form 8812. The ACTC is basically 15% of your earned income over $3000.

If you have both a child dependent and earned income, you may also be eligible for the Earned Income Credit (unless you are the non custodial parent).

[DoninGA]

A 2016 tax return can only be printed and mailed, it cannot be e-filed.

The IRS has a target of sending a tax refund after 21 days from the date it was accepted by the IRS.  This is a target only and not a guarantee.

If you choose to use TurboTax to complete and file the 2016 tax return then you will need to purchase and download one of the 2016 desktop editions from this website - https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/past-years-products/