Tax Planning for Families: Maximizing Child Tax Credits

1. Understanding the Child Tax Credit

The Child Tax Credit is designed to assist families in offsetting the financial burden of raising children. For the current tax year, the CTC offers up to $2,000 per qualifying child under the age of 17. It includes a refundable portion known as the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC), which can provide families with a refund even if they owe no tax.

Eligibility Criteria:

• The child must be under 17 at the end of the tax year.
• The child must be a U.S. citizen, national, or resident alien.
• The child must have lived with the taxpayer for more than half of the tax year.

Practical Tips:

• Ensure all qualifying children have a valid Social Security number.
• Use IRS Form 8812 to calculate and claim the ACTC if applicable.

2. Maximizing Your Child Tax Credit

To fully benefit from the CTC, understanding the income thresholds and phase-outs is crucial. For 2024, the credit begins to phase out at $200,000 of modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) for single filers and $400,000 for married couples filing jointly.

Practical Tips:

• Consider deferring income to keep below the phase-out threshold if possible.
• Explore contributing to retirement accounts to lower your MAGI.

3. Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Families often miss out on tax benefits due to common errors in their tax filings.

Key Errors to Avoid:

• Failing to claim the credit even when eligible.
• Incorrectly calculating the income limits and phase-out.

Practical Tips:

• Double-check all entries on your tax return related to the CTC.
• Consider using tax software or consulting a tax professional to ensure accuracy.

4. Planning for Changes and Updates

Tax laws frequently change, and staying informed about these changes is vital for maximizing potential benefits.

Practical Tips:

• Regularly review the IRS updates related to child tax credits.
• Engage with a tax professional for annual tax planning to adapt to new laws.

5. Additional Resources

• IRS Publication 972, Child Tax Credit, for detailed tax filing instructions.
• IRS online tools and calculators to estimate your credit amount.

Conclusion

Understanding and utilizing the Child Tax Credit effectively can substantially reduce the financial burden of raising children. By following the guidelines and tips outlined in this guide, families can ensure they are not leaving money on the table come tax time.

‍

‍

Legal Disclaimer: This guide is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as tax advice. Tax laws and regulations are subject to change, and individual circumstances may vary. Consult with a qualified tax professional or advisor to address your specific tax situation and compliance requirements.

To schedule your consultation, please use my Calendly link.

Best Regards,

Askia Roberts, CPA

RTW Advisors

‍