I need some advice! Help!

[Saruhb92]

The last time I worked was in 2020. Me and my 3 children did receive stimulus checks and recovery rebate credit when I filed last year. I also got the monthly advance credits because they went off of my 2020 tax year. My income all of last year was only the monthly credits. I’ve never filed without an income or w2 before, but I was told that people do file that way. So I’m wondering if I should file that way and if I would be getting the remaining amount of the advanced credit, would I get any other credits? Any advice from someone who knows about this would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!

[fanfare]

you have to file a 2021 tax return to claim the credits which are substantial.

See the IRS website for more information.

[Saruhb92]

I need to know if I’m even supposed to file in this situation or do I not file at all? 

[Saruhb92]

So even if I have no w2 and no income to file with I still do need to file?

[fanfare]

you have to file a 2021 tax return to claim the credits.

[Saruhb92]

Okay, I understand that. And I really appreciate you answering my questions. I just want to be sure I am still entitled to those credits even though my last w2 was earned in 2020 and I currently have no income other than the monthly credits I received. Thank you again for being helpful! 

[rjs · Accepted solution]

You are required to file, even though you had no income, because you received advance Child Tax Credit payments. You are entitled to the additional amount of the Child Tax Credit that you did not receive in advance. If you did not receive the third stimulus payment, you are also entitled to a Recovery Rebate Credit on your 2021 tax return.