If the child tax credit is increased for 2023 will I receive the difference even if I already filed my taxes?

[Hal_Al]

Probably, based on the last time something like that happened.

Otherwise, nobody knows. 

That bill is a long way from being passed any time soon. 

[xmasbaby0]

ENHANCED CHILD TAX CREDIT BILL

No one here knows if or when the proposed enhanced child tax credit bill will pass.   It is presently in the hands of 535 state representatives and senators.in Congress.     It has not been passed or signed into law.    IF and when it passes, we do not know when they will make it effective or how it will be implemented.  They are still wrangling with it so we do not know what it will look like when they are done.

It is unlikely to affect your 2023 return; maybe enough members of Congress remember what a mess they created when they changed the tax law for taxing unemployment during the 2020 tax filing season in 2021 and will not want to do that to the U.S. public again in mid tax season.  Or maybe they will go ahead anyhow.  We do not know.   But if it affects you for 2023 they will have to provide a way for you to get the credit.

[AZNative86]

You will either have to file an amendment to receive the additional amount you’re entitled to, if you qualify for the child tax credit. Or, the IRS could send a separate check at a later date. And, there’s a chance the IRS will include the increased return amount and include it on your original refund.

[Vgonzales77]

I filed early and already received my refund. However, the increased amount of the CTC that passed was not added to my refund. So, will they send a separate check? If so, has there been any news/update on when those checks will be sent? 

[xmasbaby0]

@Vgonzales77 The increased child tax credit has not passed.  It is in the Senate, has not been voted on yet and has not been signed into law.

[MonikaK1]

Yes, the IRS has plans to issue refunds to those taxpayers who qualify, if the legislation to increase the Child Tax Credit is signed into law.

The Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act, which contains provisions to increase the Child Tax Credit, was passed by the House of Representatives but has not been passed by the Senate at this time (February 25, 2024).

IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel has confirmed that adjustments to the child tax credit (CTC) and any additional refunds owed to working families under the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act will be processed and issued in a matter of weeks once the bill is signed into law.

See this House Ways and Means webpage for more information.

@Vgonzales77 

[Vgonzales77]

Thank you! This was very helpful! ☺️

[AZNative86]

Well, with a democratic led Senate, I think it would pretty surprising for it not to pass. Which is why the IRS has made a statement themselves encourage people to still file taxes for 2023 and that should they qualify, separate checks for any additional credit families are entitled to, would be sent 6-12 weeks once the law goes into effect. 

[DC4LQueen]

It hasn't passed yet. It's only passed the house...no check updates because there are currently no checks. 

[roxysnow85]

Has anyone recieved a check for the increased child tax credit ? I filed before it was passed .

[DoninGA]

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@roxysnow85 wrote:

Has anyone recieved a check for the increased child tax credit ? I filed before it was passed .

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Since the bill has never passed the Senate nor been signed into law by the President, there is no check to receive.