Only got the very first payment in July

[Carz8z]

I have 3 children (4,3, and 1) we only received the very first payment in July for the child tax credit. I spoke with IRS representative in September but she unfortunately could not help me in any way. I was instructed to keep checking the website which just states that our status is pending. We meet all of the qualifications, why would our status become and remain pending after the first payment? Also how will we file to receive the rest? 

[rjs]

A number of things could have put you into pending status. One possibility is a change in the number of children between your 2019 and 2020 tax returns. (Was 2020 the first year that you claimed the 1-year-old?) Also, if you filed an amended return that would put you into pending status.

In any case, you will get the rest of the payments as a credit on your 2021 tax return. All you have to do is file your tax return normally, claim the children as dependents, and enter the amount of the one payment that you received. The monthly payments were advance payments of the Child Tax Credit on your 2021 tax return. You will get the full Child Tax Credit on your tax return, minus the one payment that you got in advance.

[Anonymous]

One of the reasons why you did not receive any advance child tax credit payments after July

• Did you amend your 2020 tax return? If so, your payments will be held until the amendment has been fully processed by the IRS.

Since you haven't received any payments after July, you will be able to claim them on your 2021 tax return given all the qualifications are met.

[JandKit]

Hi Carz8z,

No worries in your case. Because the amounts received this year are considered 'ADVANCED CHILD TAX CREDIT' payments, any amounts not received will be returned to you in the form of a credit when you file your 2021 tax return.

Sometime in January, you should receive  a letter 6419, from the IRS. This letter should show the actual amounts that you received in 2021. This letter will allow you to reconcile your 2021 tax return to show what was received and the additional amount not received plus the last half will be added to your return as a credit.

Only the IRS knows while certain actions occur. Don't fret about it because the final analysis shows that you will receive the corrected amount due upon filing your taxes in 2022.