Many American families may still be owed money from the 2021 Child Tax Credit, and 2025 is your last chance to claim it. If you didn’t receive the full amount back then, you could still get up to $1,800 per child through your tax refund. This article explains who can qualify, how to apply, and why it’s important to act before the IRS deadline in 2025.
What Is the Child Tax Credit (CTC)?
The Child Tax Credit (CTC) is money the U.S. government gives to families with kids. It helps reduce the cost of raising a child. In 2021, the government increased the credit to help families during COVID-19. Families could receive:
- $3,600 per child under 6
- $3,000 per child aged 6–17
Half of that money was sent as monthly checks in 2021. The remaining $1,800 (or $1,500) could be claimed by filing a 2021 tax return. But many families didn’t file it. The good news? You can still file it in 2025 and claim your money.
Who Can Still Get the $1,800 in 2025?
You may still be eligible for the credit if you:
- Didn’t file your 2021 taxes
- Didn’t get the full Child Tax Credit
- Have children under 18 who lived with you in 2021
- Earned within the income limits:
- Up to $75,000 for single filers
- Up to $112,500 for head of household
- Up to $150,000 for married couples filing jointly
Even if you didn’t earn much or normally don’t file taxes, you can still get this refund.
How to Claim the Credit in 2025
To get the remaining $1,800 Child Tax Credit in 2025, follow these steps:
- File your 2021 tax return by April 15, 2025
- Use IRS Free File if your income is low
- Make sure you include the Child Tax Credit info correctly
- If you already got half in 2021, you’ll receive the rest after filing
You can get help from free tax clinics (VITA or Tax-Aide) or use tax software online.
What’s the Deadline to Claim?
The IRS allows you 3 years to file and claim refunds. Since the original 2021 tax deadline was in 2022, the final date to get this credit is:
🗓️ April 15, 2025
If you miss this, the money cannot be claimed anymore. So, it’s very important to file before that date.
How Do I Know If I Got the Credit Already?
In early 2022, the IRS sent a letter called Letter 6419 to families that received payments. If you got that letter or already claimed your 2021 refund, you may not be owed anything more.
But if you’re unsure, check your IRS account online to see how much you received.
There’s still time to claim the $1,800 Child Tax Credit in 2025—but the clock is ticking. Many families across the U.S. don’t know they qualify for this money, and billions of dollars are still unclaimed. If you had kids in 2021 and didn’t get the full credit, this is your last chance. Filing a tax return might seem like a small step, but it could bring a big reward. Don’t let this opportunity pass you by. It’s money meant to support your family—make sure you get it.
