As pediatricians, traditionally we talk with families about vaccines, school performance, and healthy lifestyle choices. However, in recent years we have expanded our conversations with families to include information on such topics as taxes, banking, and employment. We do this because research has shown that the effect of poverty on child health is not benign. Children who grow up in families experiencing financial hardship have a greater risk of infant mortality, chronic diseases, harmful environmental exposures, developmental challenges, and injury. We also know that anti-poverty programs such as early childhood education, tax credits, and social benefit programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children and Temporary Family Assistance address these negative health outcomes in children. Therefore, as pediatricians we want all CT families to be aware of the 2022 CT Child Tax Credit.
From now through July 31, the state of Connecticut is offering a one-time child tax rebate, intended to help local families with children. The rebate was recently authorized by the Connecticut General Assembly and signed into law by Governor Lamont. Your family may be eligible for a child tax rebate of up to a maximum of $750 ($250 per child up to three children).
To be eligible for this rebate you must meet all the following requirements:
- You must be a resident of Connecticut;
- You must have claimed at least one child as a dependent on your 2021 federal income tax return who was 18 years of age or younger; and
- You must meet certain income thresholds.
Research has shown that the effect of poverty on child health is not benign. Children who grow up in families experiencing financial hardship have a greater risk of infant mortality, chronic diseases, harmful environmental exposures, developmental challenges, and injury.
The deadline to apply is July 31, 2022, and the application can be found here on the state’s website. You will need a few things to get started on the application and to determine your eligibility.
- Your federal adjusted gross income from your 2021 federal income tax return;
- Your filing status from your 2021 federal income tax return; and
- The full name, date of birth, age as of December 31, 2021, social security number, and relationship to you of each child who was 18 years of age or younger (up to a maximum of three) you claimed as a dependent on your 2021 federal income tax return.
If you have any questions about the application form or eligibility, you can find more information online at portal.ct.gov/DRS or call the CT Department of Revenue Services, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 860-297-5999.