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IMPORTANT UPDATE: IRS Opens Portals for Advanced Child Tax Credit Payments 2021

Client Alert

UPDATE

The IRS opened two portals for the Advanced Child Tax Credit payments. Taxpayers who wish to opt-out of the advanced child tax credit payments will need to use the “unenroll from advanced payments” portal. Taxpayers who were not required to file a tax return and have not already submitted his/her information should use the “enter your information” portal to receive the advanced child tax credit payments. The portals can be found at https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-payments-in-2021.


May 20, 2021

The American Rescue Plan Act (the “Act”) expands the Child Tax Credit for tax year 2021. In addition to expanding the Child Tax Credit, the Act provides for advance payments of the 2021 Child Tax Credit.

Beginning in July, the IRS will automatically send Advanced Child Tax Credit payments to eligible taxpayers based on their 2020 tax return (or 2019 tax return if the 2020 tax return has not been filed and processed yet). The amount of the advanced payment will be up to $300 each month for each qualifying child under 6 years old at the end of 2021 and $250 each month for each qualifying child between 6 and 17 years old at the end of 2021. For example, if you have 2 qualifying children, one 4 years old and one 8 years old, you may receive up to $550 each month in advance child tax credit payments.

These payments are an advance on the child tax credit a person will claim on his/her 2021 tax return. Therefore, when a person files his/her 2021 tax return, the child tax credit amount will be reduced by the total amount of advance child tax payments received between July and December. That means that you may be required to repay some or all of the advanced child tax credit on your 2021 tax return.

Who is an eligible taxpayer?

Eligible taxpayers are:

  • Married taxpayers filing a joint return or Qualifying Widows with income up to $150,000;
  • Head of Household taxpayers with income up to $112,500; and
  • All other taxpayers with income up to $75,000.

Who is a qualifying child?

A qualifying child is one who:

  • Has a valid social security number
  • Lived with the eligible taxpayer for at least half the year
  • Is related to the eligible taxpayer
  • The eligible taxpayer provides more than 50% of the child’s support

What does this mean?

This means that unless a person opts out, he/she will automatically receive advance child tax credit payments. Therefore, the refund amount you are expecting may be reduced. This also means that parents that alternate claiming a dependent on their tax returns may now owe money to the IRS in 2021 rather than receiving a refund.

In the coming months, the IRS has stated taxpayers will have the opportunity to opt out of the advance child tax credit payments. The IRS has also stated taxpayers will have the opportunity to update information with the IRS such as filing status or number of qualifying children.

For additional questions related to the advance child tax credit payments, please contact BMD Tax Law Attorney Tracy Albanese at tlalbanese@bmdllc.com or (330) 253-9195.


Ohio Businesses Required to Post Exceptions to State-wide Mask Mandate at all Entrances

On July 22, 2020, in conjunction with the state-wide mask mandate instituted by Governor Mike DeWine, Lance D. Himes, Interim Director of the Ohio Department of Health, issued an order requiring Ohio businesses to post any permitted exceptions they provide to customers, patrons, visitors, contractors, vendors and similar individuals to use facial coverings at all business entrances.

ODM and OhioMHAS Continue to Expand Telehealth

On July 17, 2020, Governor DeWine signed Executive Order 2020-29D, which allowed the Ohio Department of Medicaid (“ODM”) to immediately rescind old provisions and file a new rule (5160-1-18) and the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (“OhioMHAS”) to amend their current rule (5122-29-31), both expanding telehealth and introducing even more flexibility into Ohio’s healthcare system.

Top Questions of Employers - Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Law

One month ago, the United States Supreme Court, in Bostock v. Clayton County, determined that federal law (Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964) protects employees on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. Our earlier post discussed the full decision. The purpose of this article is to share and address the Top Questions of Employers since that decision was rendered.

Healthcare Acquisitions and Divestitures During the COVID-19 Pandemic

It seems as though all aspects of our personal and professional lives have been impacted in one way or another by the COVID-19 public health emergency. Healthcare acquisitions and divestitures are no exception. Although the ramifications depend on the specific circumstances of each transaction, we are noticing certain common threads woven among recently closed and currently in progress transactions in the healthcare industry. Here are a few of the questions that often arise as we work with clients to navigate the current business landscape both during and after the COVID epidemic.

Ministerial Exception to Title VII

On July 8, 2020, the United States Supreme Court issued a 7–2 decision holding that religious institutions, such as churches and religion-based schools, are shielded from employment discrimination lawsuits — including claims brought under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. In doing so, the Court decided in favor of two Catholic schools facing legal discrimination claims from former teachers who alleged wrongful termination from their employment for age and disability.