Lawmakers in the House recently unveiled a $78 billion bipartisan tax package that includes temporary changes to the child tax credit. These changes, if enacted, could have a significant impact on millions of families during this year’s filing season. While the bill has advanced through the House Ways and Means Committee, negotiations are ongoing, and the path forward remains uncertain. As we approach the opening of tax season on January 29th, it’s important to understand the proposed modifications to the child tax credit and how they may affect eligible families.
Currently, the child tax credit is valued at up to $2,000 per qualifying child under the age of 17 for the year 2023. This credit directly reduces your tax liability on a dollar-for-dollar basis. For most median-income Americans, the full $2,000 credit is available, as their tax liability generally exceeds this amount. However, the credit gradually phases out for individuals with modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) above $200,000 for single filers and $400,000 for married couples filing jointly. Additionally, up to $1,600 of the credit is refundable, allowing eligible individuals to receive a refund even if they owe no taxes.
One of the major challenges with the current child tax credit is its limited accessibility for lower earners. Individuals with little to no tax liability often find it difficult to qualify for a substantial portion of the credit, if any at all. As a result, those who earn less struggle to benefit from this tax break. The proposed bipartisan tax bill aims to address this issue by implementing several changes to the child tax credit that could benefit lower-earning Americans.
Under the bipartisan tax bill, the refundable portion of the child tax credit would increase significantly. For the tax years 2023, 2024, and 2025, eligible individuals could receive a maximum refundable credit of $1,800, $1,900, and $2,000, respectively. Moreover, a new calculation method would be introduced, allowing families to determine the credit on a per-child basis. This means that families with multiple qualifying children would have the opportunity to receive a higher credit.
The proposed changes to the child tax credit aim to rectify the current income disparity in its distribution. The existing system tends to favor higher-income individuals, providing them with more substantial benefits compared to lower-income individuals. By expanding access and adjusting the calculation method, the bill strives to level the playing field and ensure that lower-income families can also benefit from the child tax credit.
While the proposed changes to the child tax credit show promising potential, the bill’s fate is yet to be determined. As negotiations continue and the House is currently on recess, the timeline for its enactment remains uncertain. However, with tax season quickly approaching, it’s essential for families to stay informed about potential changes to the child tax credit and how they may impact their financial situation.
The $78 billion bipartisan tax package introduced by House lawmakers offers a glimpse of hope for millions of families who may benefit from temporary changes to the child tax credit. If enacted, these revisions could provide an average tax cut of $680 for eligible families in 2023. By expanding access and increasing the refundable portion of the credit, the proposed changes aim to address issues of income disparity and ensure that lower-earning Americans can also avail themselves of its benefits. As we navigate through tax season, keeping a close eye on any potential changes to the child tax credit is crucial for families seeking to maximize their tax savings.
Leave a Reply