National Association of Counties
On October 13, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) began sending letters to more than 9 million potentially eligible individuals and families who have yet to claim key tax benefits made available during the COVID-19 pandemic. The letters direct recipients to determine their eligibility and take steps to claim the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit (stimulus payment), expanded 2021 Child Tax Credit (CTC) and/or expanded 2021 Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) by visiting www.childtaxcredit.gov/file before November 15, 2022. As trusted community messengers, county leaders can take steps to ensure the IRS outreach is successful so that eligible residents access these income supports as soon as possible.
Throughout 2021 and 2022, counties invested in numerous efforts to boost enrollment in the third stimulus payments and temporarily expanded Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit authorized under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. Though these efforts were largely successful – contributing to historic reductions in child poverty – the IRS estimates that 9 million individuals and families may still be missing out on these benefits. Though individuals will have until 2025 to retroactively file a full tax return to claim the funds, in order to access these resources this calendar year, individuals must use the simplified tool for non-filers or file a full tax return using the IRS free file system before the deadline of November 15, 2022.
To reinforce the message of the IRS letters and help residents quickly claim these benefits, county government agencies and officials can continue to help conduct outreach about this opportunity. It is especially important to let families know they may be receiving letters in the mail, confirm the validity of these communications and encourage recipients to act before November 15 to claim the funds this year.
Outreach resources include:
Counties recognize that regular cash assistance is one of the most powerful anti-poverty tools for households with children. NACo supports permanent changes to expand the size and eligibility of the CTC among other tax benefits aimed at reducing child poverty and providing financial relief to vulnerable residents experiencing economic instability.
<p>Experiencing homelessness in early childhood can have long-term impacts on health, education and well-being for both children and parents.
<p>Reducing recidivism through effective jail- and community-based services can decrease jail admissions and populations and improve outcomes for people with criminal histories.</p>
<h3><strong>Counties Matter in Human Services</strong></h3>
<p>All matters pertaining to children’s issues, foster care, public assistance and income support, services to senior citizens and individuals with disabilities, immigration policy, social services, and elementary,
With American Rescue Plan funds, counties are strengthening America’s workforce, addressing the nation’s behavioral health crisis, expanding broadband access, improving housing affordability and building prosperous communities for the next generation.
Learn More
