March 11, 2022

Congressman Castro Urges San Antonians to File Taxes Immediately To Receive Expanded Tax Cuts Passed Through American Rescue Plan

Castro has delivered $260.7 million in tax cuts through the expanded Child Tax Credit

SAN ANTONIO – Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) urges San Antonio families to file their taxes as soon as possible to receive the full expanded Child Tax Credit created by the American Rescue Plan. In 2021, Congressman Castro delivered nearly $261 million in tax cuts for more than 172,000 children in Texas’s 20th District through the expanded Child Tax Credit. Most families will receive an additional lump-sum Child Tax Credit payment in their 2021 tax refund.

“One year ago this month, Democrats passed a historic expansion of the Child Tax Credit to rebuild our economy and lift millions of children out of poverty. As Texans file their 2021 tax returns, more money is on the way,” said Congressman Castro. “As the crisis in Ukraine and corporate profiteering raise prices for Texas families, the second half of the expanded Child Tax Credit could not come at a more important time. I urge all families to file their taxes by the April 18 tax deadline to get the full tax credit they deserve.”

The American Rescue Plan, passed by Congress in March 2021, included one of the largest tax cuts for American families in our nation’s history. The law expanded the existing Child Tax Credit to $3,600 per child (for children under 6) or $3,000 (for children 6-17). From July to December 2021, half of the credit was advanced to families through monthly payments.

According to estimates from the Joint Economic Committee, the expanded Child Tax Credit temporarily reduced child poverty by about 30 percent. The American Rescue Plan also expanded the maximum Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for working adults between 19 – 65 with no qualifying children. Under the EITC expansion, eligible adults can receive up to $1,502. 

To claim Child Tax Credit or EITC funds, San Antonians must file a 2021 tax return and provide the IRS with the necessary information to calculate and issue their full payments. Families should start the process as early as possible by reviewing their tax filing options at GetYourRefund.org or IRS.gov.

San Antonians who are not required to file federal taxes should still file this year to receive their full Child Tax Credit payment. Non-filers can learn more by visiting www.getctc.org. 

Additionally, the IRS sponsors the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, which offers free tax help to San Antonians with less than $55,000 in taxable income. To learn more and schedule an appointment at one of VITA's San Antonio and Bexar County locations, visit vitasa.org.

Key facts to know about the Child Tax Credit:

  • Advance and lump-sum Child Tax Credit payments are not taxable.
  • Families who did not receive six advance Child Tax Credit payments last year will receive any missed payments in their 2021 tax refund.
  • Receiving the expanded Child Tax Credit will not impact anyone’s eligibility for, or lower the amount of, other federal benefits.
  • All legal guardians – including grandparents – are potentially eligible for the expanded Child Tax Credit.

More information about the expanded Child Tax Credit and tax filing can be found HERE.