Child tax credit payments: How to track your missing check

THE next batch of child tax credit payments started today – but many American families are concerned about when and if their checks will arrive. 

In fact, there has been some frustration from parents on social media today over not immediately waking up to a stimulus boost in their bank accounts.

Checks have started to go out, but not everyone has gotten their benefits yet

That comes as roughly 60 million eligible families were expected to receive the credit via direct deposit this morning. 

Who qualifies for the benefit?

Families with kids under the age of six will receive $300 per child.

Those with kids between ages six and 17 will get $250 for every child.

To get the full benefit, single taxpayers must earn $75,000 or less.

However, the payments will phase out by $50 for every $1,000 over that threshold.

For couples to meet the benefit requirements, they must make less than $150,000.

Meanwhile, other families who requested by paper check should allow up to a week to receive it via postal mail.

But some haven’t even received one installment of the three child tax credit payments yet.

There are a couple of reasons why you may not have received your checks.

This includes not filing tax returns for 2020 or 2019, nor using the IRS tool to claim your coronavirus stimulus checks.

If you did not file taxes, there’s a tool called the Child Tax Credit Non-filer Sign-up Tool where you can add your information to see if you qualify.

How to track your tax credit payment

But let’s assume that isn’t the case and you are still eagerly waiting for a $300 check. 

Fortunately, there is an online portal that Americans can use to check the status of their checks.

This tool allows you to view your payments and check and see if you’re enrolled for advanced payments.

You need an IRS username and an ID.me account to check payments online.

Also, make sure that your current banking information and mailing address are up to date.

Another thing you can do is try calling the IRS if you have questions.

However, the live assistance is limited, as the agency has been busy with delayed stimulus checks, unemployment tax refunds, and tax returns.

So, it might be quicker to get an answer through the IRS’ frequently asked questions section.

And it’s important to note that the IRS does not have a separate contact number for child tax credits; the number for tax-related questions is 800-829-1040. 

For more on child tax credits, we explain whether or not the benefits will be extended next year and beyond that.