The $3,600 Child Tax Credit (CTC) was a temporary federal tax benefit designed in order to present financial relief to families with dependent children. This credit was originally expanded under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. However, it has since reverted to previous levels. We present the details of this credit and how it compares to the New York State Child Tax Credit below:
The $3,600 Child Tax Credit
The enhanced $3,600 Child Tax Credit was available for the 2021 tax year. This credit specifically provided:
- $3,600 per child under age 6
- $3,000 per child aged 6 to 17
The mentioned credit was fully refundable. Qualifying families could receive the full amount even if little or no federal tax is owed. Half of the credit was distributed in monthly payments and the remaining half was claimed when filing a tax return.
Does the $3,600 Child Tax Credit Still Exist?
No. The expanded Child Tax Credit expired after 2021 taxation year. As of 2024 and 2025, the standard federal CTC amount has returned to:
- Up to $2,000 per qualifying child
- Only partially refundable (up to $1,600 in 2024)
How Does This Compare to the New York State Child Tax Credit?
New York presents its own version of the Child Tax Credit. It is known as the Empire State Child Credit (NY CTC). In contrast to the federal credit:
- The NY CTC provides between $100 and $330 per child in accordance with the income level.
- The benefit amount is 33% of the federal CTC or $100 per child, whichever is higher.
- Only New York residents can claim such credit.
How to Claim the NY Child Tax Credit
Eligible families might claim the New York State Child Tax Credit when filing their state return as detailed below:
- Full-year residents should file Form IT-201.
- Part-year residents must file Form IT-203.
- Form IT-213 must be completed in order to report qualifying children.
Final Thoughts
The $3,600 Child Tax Credit was a one-time expansion. Yet, the families in New York may still leverage the Empire State Child Credit which provides additional tax relief. If individuals are unsure about qualifying criteria or need assistance in terms of claiming the credit, tax professionals might present assistance in optimizing the refund.