CT Child Tax Rebate Deadline July 31: 5 Things To Know

CONNECTICUT — Connecticut parents could be leaving money on the table if they don’t apply for the state child tax rebate by July 31.

State officials have stressed the program is different from the American Rescue Plan child tax credit, which was automatically deposited into eligible taxpayer bank accounts or used as a credit for the tax year.

“We created this state tax rebate to give Connecticut families with children some additional relief,” Gov. Ned Lamont said in a statement. “State law requires the application period to close on July 31. I strongly urge all families who claimed at least one dependent child on their federal income tax return to submit an application as soon as possible so that this rebate can be sent to you with no delays.”

Here are five things to know about the program:

This isn’t a tax credit

Taxpayers who were eligible for the 2021 federal child tax credit through the American Rescue Plan had two options. They could take part of the credit in advance in the form of a monthly direct deposit (default option) or they could wait and use the credit on their 2021 tax returns filed in 2022.

Connecticut’s tax rebate doesn’t work like that. Filers who don’t apply by July 31 lose out on the rebate; there is no rolling it over when you file your 2022 tax return in 2023.

How many eligible taxpayers have applied so far?

About 56 percent of eligible taxpayers have applied, Lamont said Tuesday.

Rebate amount and income limits

The maximum rebate amount is $250 per child, up to three children. Taxpayers need to have claimed at least one child as a dependent on 2021 federal income tax returns.

Income thresholds for maximum payments are as follows:

• Single or married filing separately: $100,000 or less
• Head of household: $160,000 or less
• Married filing jointly: $200,000 or less

Those with higher income levels may receive a reduced rebate.

How to apply and what information you need

The rebate can only be claimed online at the state Department of Revenue Services website.

Information needed to complete the application includes:

• Adjusted gross income amount reported on 2021 federal income tax return.
• Filing status from 2021 tax return
• Name, date of birth and Social Security number of dependent children.

All the information is typically reported on federal income tax returns for those who claim the child tax credit.

When will rebate be sent out?

DRS plans to issue checks in late August.