The CTC is for working parents (or others such as grandparents, relatives, or foster parents) who are raising one or more children. There are also rules about which children count for the CTC (see next question). To get the CTC, your income must be below the limits (see question 6 for the limits). You must file your taxes to receive the CTC. Lots of people who can get the CTC and other refundable tax credits do not get them because they don’t file their taxes. They miss out on money that is meant for them.
The credit is worth up to $1,000 per qualifying child. The refundable portion of the credit is dependent on your federal tax owed and your income.
The CTC is a refundable and a non-refundable credit. This means that it reduces your federal taxes owed, and part of the credit can come back to you as a refund (cash back in your pocket).
Your CTC will be reduced if your gross income is more than $110,000 if married filing jointly, $75,000 for single, head of household, or qualifying widower; and $55,000 for married and filing separately.
No. Legal immigrants can also get the CTC, but you have to file your taxes with a Social Security Number (valid for work) for yourself, your spouse (if you have one) and your qualifying children to get it.
There are several locations across Minnesota where you can get your taxes done for free. For AccountAbility Minnesota's free tax preparation sites click here. For other free tax preparation sites in Minnesota click here or call United Way 2-1-1 by dialing 2-1-1 (651-291-0211 for cell phone users).
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