How to Claim the Non-Filer Child Tax Credit

The Child Tax Credit is a government payment designed to assist families with the financial costs of raising children. Many individuals who do not typically file tax returns due to their income level may not realize they are eligible for this benefit. The process for claiming the credit as a non-filer is managed by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

Eligibility Requirements for Non-Filers

Qualifying Child Requirements

To claim the Child Tax Credit, you must have a qualifying child according to IRS rules. The child must be under age 17 at the close of the tax year; for a 2024 return, the child must not have turned 17 before January 1, 2025. The child must also be your son, daughter, stepchild, eligible foster child, brother, sister, or a descendant of these individuals, such as a grandchild. Additionally, the child must have lived with you for more than half the year and not have provided more than half of their own financial support. The child must be claimed as a dependent on your return, be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or U.S. resident alien, and have a Social Security Number (SSN) issued before the tax return due date.

Filer Requirements

You must have a Social Security Number (SSN) that is valid for employment in the United States. An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) can be used by the filer. A “non-filer” is someone whose gross income is below the standard deduction amount for their filing status, meaning they are not legally required to file a federal income tax return. For 2024, these thresholds vary based on filing status and age. Even with no income, you can still be eligible for the refundable portion of the Child Tax Credit, which is up to $1,700 per qualifying child for the 2024 tax year.

Information and Documents Needed to Claim

You will need to have personal details ready for yourself and, if you are married, for your spouse. This includes full legal names as they appear on Social Security cards, complete dates of birth, and a valid Social Security Number (SSN). You must also collect the full legal name, date of birth, and Social Security Number for each child you intend to claim. The relationship of each child to you will also be needed.

A current mailing address is necessary for the IRS to send a paper check if you do not opt for direct deposit. For faster payment via direct deposit, you will need your bank’s name, routing number, and account number. You should also have a record of any income earned during the year, as this information will be entered on the simplified tax return.

How to File for the Child Tax Credit

The official method to claim the Child Tax Credit as a non-filer is by submitting a simplified federal income tax return, typically a Form 1040. This return provides the IRS with the necessary information about your family and dependents to process the credit.

The most direct way to file is through IRS Free File, an online service from a partnership between the IRS and tax software companies. This program allows individuals with an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) below $84,000 for the 2024 tax year to prepare and file their federal tax return for free. To use this service, you visit the IRS website, choose a Free File provider, and follow the step-by-step instructions.

For those who prefer in-person assistance, free tax help is available from IRS-certified volunteers. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program generally offers help to people who make $64,000 or less for the 2024 tax year, persons with disabilities, and limited English-speaking taxpayers. The Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program provides free tax help, particularly for those 60 and older. These sites can be found using a locator tool on the IRS website or by calling 800-906-9887.

Receiving Your Payment

The time it takes to receive your payment depends on the method you chose for delivery. If you provided bank account information for direct deposit, you can expect to receive your payment within three weeks of the IRS accepting your electronically filed return. If you did not provide direct deposit information, the IRS will mail a paper check to the address on your tax return, which takes several additional weeks.

You can monitor the status of your payment by using the “Where’s My Refund?” tool on the IRS website and through the IRS2Go mobile app. To use this tool, you will need your Social Security Number or ITIN, your filing status, and the exact refund amount. The tool is updated once every 24 hours and will show the status of your refund as it moves through the stages of being received, approved, and sent.