Foster Care - Adoption

[donesjr]

We had a child that we were fostering during 2020, and then in mid 2021 we adopted him.  When we filed our taxes for 2020, we claimed 3 child dependents.  We have received our first "stimulus" deposit in July, but it was only for $500, so for some reason we are not receiving anything for our fostered/adopted child.  I know this because he is less than two, and our other two boys are older than six.  My question is, does anyone know why we would not being receiving credit for him in the stimulus?  And when we file our taxes in 2022 for the 2021 year, will we then receive that money owed to us? 

[Sandyln]

Congratulations on your recent Adoption!!! How exciting!!!!! You are special people for adopting a foster child that is such a super need!!!!!

Since your child was adopted in 2021 the change in status may have confused the IRS. Switching from a foster child to adopted child status. Sometimes the transition from foster care dependent to your child has to go through several channels such as Social Security and other things.  I would suggest contacting the IRS just to verify the information is correct on the IRS side.

The IRS telephone number is 1-800-829-1040, and they are available from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. Monday thru Friday. The best time to call is early in the morning.

The first question the automated system will ask you is to choose your language.

Once you’ve set your language, do NOT choose Option 1 (regarding refund info). Choose option 2 for “Personal Income Tax” instead.

Next, press 1 for “form, tax history, or payment”.

Next, press 3 “for all other questions.”

Next, press 2 “for all other questions.”

When the system asks you to enter your SSN or EIN to access your account information, do NOT enter anything.

After it asks twice, you will be prompted with another menu.

Press 2 for personal or individual tax questions.

Finally, press 4 for all other inquiries. The system should then transfer you to an agent

Some links to also assist you are:

My suggestion would be to the IRS Advance Portal: 

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

the Child Tax Credit Eligibility Assistant Website:

https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-eligibility-assistant

And lastly the Advance Child Tax Credit Payments in 2021 Website:

https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-payments-in-2021

Again, congratulations on your new addition to your family!!!!!!!!

[donesjr]

Sandyln, thank you for your kind words and your detailed information!!  Sometimes navigating the automated phone lines are half the battle these days!  One thing I would like to follow up with is, I am completely OK, and actually would prefer, to receive that money in a lump sum ($1800) in 2022 when we file our taxes, instead of monthly ($300 x 6) for the next six months.  So do you think it is safe to say that if I do nothing we will receive it in 2022 when we file?  Thanks again.

[Sandyln]

Hello again!!

If you want you can opt out on the portal just to make sure you don't receive any payments. 

Here are two links to use to make sure you receive a lump sum instead of getting the payments:

My suggestion would be to the IRS Advance Portal: 

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

And lastly the Advance Child Tax Credit Payments in 2021 Website:

https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-payments-in-2021

I hope these two links assist you. I know have a new addition is quite a lot of work!!! I wish you all the luck in the world!!!!