What happens to my child tax credit if I already filed my taxes and the covid relief bill is passed in March

[ReneeM7122]

If you have already filed your 2020 taxes, any COVID relief package that passes in 2021 will not change your taxes from 2020, and there would be no effect on your Child Tax Credit.

For example, if the proposed package were to pass, it would be distributed monthly, totaling $3,600 per child under the age of 6 and $3,000 per child ages 6 to 17, based on a tax filers’ income.  The child tax credit is separate from the COVID relief package.  

[DZ6]

I already filed my 2020 taxes and qualified for $2,000 child tax credit. I could have qualified for $3,600 under the new bill passed. Now what?

[MaryM428]

You will not need to file an amend or to make any change to your 2020 tax return.  The enhanced tax credit is on 2021 taxes.  However, law makers anticipate that part of it will be paid later in 2020.

Here is the latest update from the IRS on the American Rescue Plan.