If I’m adding a new dependent do I file the child tax credit now?

[amanda-hanna]

Or can I add the dependent to my taxes from last year? I’m being told I need to file that credit right now?

[leeloo]

Since December is already upon us, just wait and add the dependent to your 2022 return.

How to Claim This Credit

You can claim the Child Tax Credit by entering your children and other dependents on Form 1040, U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, and attaching a completed Schedule 8812, Credits for Qualifying Children and Other Dependents.

If you received advance Child Tax Credit payments in 2021, find out how to compare (reconcile) your payments to claim the rest of the Child Tax Credit on your 2021 tax return.

https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/child-tax-credit

[xmasbaby0]

Not sure why you are being told to add the dependent for the CTC now.  There is not a way to do that.   Perhaps someone thought the 2021 rules for getting CTC were still in place.

The rules for getting the CTC are not the same for a 2022 tax return.   They were different for 2021 only.   There are no more "advance" child tax credit monthly payments.  Those were only sent in 2021 from July to December, and then the payments were reconciled on a 2021 tax return.

If you have a qualified child dependent to claim on a 2022 tax return you will enter your child on the 2022 return when you complete the My Info section.  You will need the child's Social Security number.   The child tax credit and the refundable additional child tax credit is based on the amount you earned from working.   If you did not work and earn income in 2022, you will not be eligible to receive the CTC.

[Hal_Al]

"I’m being told I need to file that credit right now"  may only mean that you can reduce your income tax withholding from your work pay, because of the addtional tax credit.  If so, submit a new form W-4 to your employer.  Otherwise, as others have said, you do not claim the 2022 child tax credit until you file your 2022 tax return in early 2023. The rules were different for 2021. You cannot claim a 2021 tax credit for a child that did not become your dependent until 2022. 

You said "I’m adding a new dependent".  It matters when that child became your dependent. To be a "qualifying child" dependent, for the child tax credit, that child must be related to you and live with you for more than half the year. 

[VolvoGirl]

Did you have a baby?  When?  Do you need to amend your 2021 return to add this dependent?  

[NCperson]

@amanda-hanna - also, to be eligible for the child tax credit, the social security card must have an issue date prior to the due date of the tax return.....