Child tax credit 2021: When your check arrives, how often, and the deal with

When is the first 2021 child tax credit payment arriving, and how often will checks come? While the IRS hasn’t set an exact date, we now have a clearer picture of the child tax credit payment schedule for those who qualify. Bottom line: You could receive checks in seven separate payments between now and 2022 (here’s how to calculate your share per check). But the details matter, especially if you plan to opt out of monthly payments, have a baby in 2021 or share custody with your child’s other parent.

Adults also need to meet specific adjusted gross income requirements, and not all dependents will qualify. We’ll share everything you need to know, including details for older kids, what to do if you get too much money and how you’ll correct errors using a future IRS portal. 

If you’re still waiting for your $1,400 stimulus check to arrive, you can track your payment here. We also have the story with a fourth stimulus check so far. We recommend seeing if your state owes you money and how the next stimulus plan could benefit you. Here’s how some could get up to $50,000 back with one-time COVID credits and benefits and what’s going on with student debt forgiveness. This story was recently updated. 

Child tax credit qualifications and income limits: Info to know

Payments will divided between 2021 and 2022. For each qualifying child age 5 and younger, that means up to $1,800 will come in $300 monthly payments this year. For each child between the ages of 6 and 17, up to $1,500 will come as $250 monthly payments six times in 2021. For both age groups, the rest of the payment will come with your 2021 tax refund, when you claim the remainder of the tax credit in 2022. Here’s how to calculate your family’s total child tax credit amount, including a monthly breakdown.

Qualifying dependents between ages 18 and 24 count toward a one-time $500 payment.