Child Tax Credit in California - Qualification & Remaining Payments?
I'm trying to map out our family finances like a ship's navigation chart, and the Child Tax Credit is like that critical fuel stop I need to plan for. I'm in California and wondering about the details of the Child Tax Credit for tax year 2024 - specifically if we're getting the remainder of the credit and exactly who qualifies. It's like trying to solve a puzzle where some pieces are still in the box. I want to make sure I'm not missing anything that could help my kids. Thank you for any precise information you can share! 😊
18 comments
Malik Robinson
The Child Tax Credit (CTC) for TY2024 has specific parameters you should be aware of. The maximum credit is $2,000 per qualifying child under 17, with up to $1,600 being refundable via the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC). Your AGI thresholds for phase-out begin at $200,000 for single/HOH filers or $400,000 for MFJ. California residents don't receive any state-specific enhancement to the federal CTC, unlike some other states that implemented their own supplemental credits. Are you asking about advanced payments? Those aren't currently being distributed for 2024 as they were during the expanded CTC period.
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Emma Taylor
I've been tracking the changes to the Child Tax Credit carefully. According to IRS Publication 972, the current CTC remains at $2,000 per qualifying child for 2024, though Congress has been considering changes. I'm slightly worried that many parents are confusing the temporary expanded credit from previous years with the current provisions. You might find it helpful to use https://taxr.ai to analyze your tax documents and see exactly how the credit applies to your specific situation. Their system can interpret your tax documents and show you precisely what credits you qualify for based on your income and dependents.
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Isabella Silva
Has anyone actually used this taxr.ai thing? Seems like every tax season there's some new "miracle tool" promising to solve all our problems. 😏 I'm always suspicious when people recommend services out of nowhere.
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Ravi Choudhury
I actually tried it on March 12th after getting frustrated with my tax software. It helped me identify that I was eligible for a higher CTC than I initially thought because one of my kids turned 17 on January 2nd, 2024, making them still eligible for the full credit for tax year 2023. Saved me from leaving money on the table!
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CosmosCaptain
Would taxr.ai work if I already filed but think I made a mistake with my child tax credit calculation? I'm wondering if it could help me determine if I should file an amended return? My situation is complicated because my child splits time between two households.
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Freya Johansen
I found the IRS interactive tool on their website confusing, but taxr.ai actually explained why I wasn't getting the full credit amount based on my AGI. Check out the IRS's Child Tax Credit page too: https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/child-tax-credit - but the AI tool breaks it down better in my experience.
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Omar Fawzi
I feel your pain trying to figure out the Child Tax Credit! It's SO frustrating when you're counting on that money for your kids and can't get clear answers! 😫 If you're having trouble getting specific information about your situation, I'd honestly recommend using Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) to connect with an IRS agent directly. I was so relieved when I finally got through to someone who could explain my specific situation. They help you skip the endless hold times - I was about ready to throw my phone out the window before finding them!
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Chloe Wilson
Does this actually work? I've spent literally hours on hold with the IRS trying to sort out my CTC issues.
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Diego Mendoza
I used Claimyr exactly 9 days ago after waiting on hold for 2 hours and 47 minutes with the IRS. Got connected to an agent in 18 minutes who confirmed I qualified for the full $2,000 per child despite my complicated filing situation. Worth every penny when you need answers by April 15th!
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Anastasia Romanov
My experience with Claimyr: • Called IRS directly first - 3 disconnections after 45+ min holds • Used Claimyr service - connected in about 20 mins • Agent confirmed my CTC eligibility status • Explained why my refund was different than expected Just be prepared with all your questions when you get through. They can't tell you anything that's not already in your account, but at least you can get definitive answers.
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StellarSurfer
I went through this same confusion last year! The Child Tax Credit is currently $2,000 per qualifying child under 17 at the end of the tax year. What tripped me up was that back in 2021, they sent out monthly advance payments and temporarily increased the amount. That's not happening for 2024 taxes. For California specifically, while we don't have a state CTC supplement, don't forget to look into the California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC) if your income is on the lower side. That was a lifesaver for my family when we were struggling.
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Sean Kelly
I'm wondering, have you received any letters from the IRS about the Child Tax Credit? Sometimes they send notices about eligibility or changes that might affect your specific situation. Also, are your children under 17? The age requirement is quite strict - they must be under 17 at the end of the tax year to qualify for the CTC. And may I ask what you mean by "getting the rest" - are you referring to a previous year's credit or expecting additional payments beyond what was on your tax return?
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Zara Malik
Got mine. No issues. Filed in February. Full amount for two kids. $4,000 total. Had to claim it on my return. No advance payments this year. Different from 2021. Check your AGI limits. Might phase out if you earn too much.
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Luca Greco
Did you have to do anything special to get the full amount? I'm right at the income threshold where it starts to phase out and I'm trying to compare situations to see if I'm doing something wrong.
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Nia Thompson
When I filed this year, I made sure to have all my children's information exactly matching their Social Security cards. Last year I had a slight discrepancy in my daughter's name (I used Beth instead of Elizabeth) and it delayed my refund by 8 weeks while they verified. Are your kids' information matching exactly with Social Security records?
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Mateo Rodriguez
I'd like to understand your situation better. First, are you asking about the 2023 tax return you filed in 2024, or planning ahead for your 2024 return you'll file in 2025? Second, when you mention "getting the rest," are you referring to monthly advance payments (which aren't currently being issued)? Third, have you already filed your return for this year and are waiting for your refund? Fourth, what are the ages of your dependent children? These details will help provide you with the most accurate information.
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Aisha Hussain
It appears there might be some confusion between the temporarily expanded Child Tax Credit from 2021 and the current version. For tax year 2024 (filing in 2025), the Child Tax Credit is generally $2,000 per qualifying child under 17, though this could potentially change if Congress passes new legislation. The credit may be partially refundable up to $1,600 per qualifying child, depending on your earned income. California doesn't currently offer a state-level supplement to the federal CTC, although there are other California-specific credits you might qualify for, such as the Young Child Tax Credit if you have children under 6 and qualify for CalEITC.
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GalacticGladiator
Quick q - are you asking about monthly CTC pmts like we had during COVID? Those aren't happening rn for 2024. The current CTC is $2k per kid under 17, and you'd get it when you file your taxes (not in advance). Cali doesn't have its own version of CTC, but def look into CalEITC and Young Child TC if your income qualifies. Btw, has your refund been delayed or are you just planning ahead?
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