By
NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Sue Wegerle with the VITA Tax Site talked about some of the paperwork that those who received a portion of the Child Tax Credit in advance should bring when they have their return prepared.
"For families with children 17 and under, some people got an advance child tax credit starting in July," Wegerle said. "They got half of what they would have ordinarily gotten for that child from July through December. In order to get the other half, they need to file their tax return. For children 5 and under, that amount was $3600 per child and from 6 to 17, it was $3000 per child. Each person who got an advance child tax credit should get a form 6419 and you need to bring that to the tax preparer, because it's not the same for everyone. You would think that half of $3000 would be $1500, but it isn't always and we have to have that form."
Spouses should each have received a copy of the form, as well. Also, some adults may get money back they weren't planning for.
"The earned income credit has expanded from age 19 to whatever," Wegerle said. "Before, it cut off at 65. A senior citizen who had a job, let's say you worked at the fair during September or helped out somewhere else, you were not eligible for that, so you may not have even had a filing requirement. If you had any wages at all, even if it was a little bit, you should come in to see if you're eligible for earned income credit."
To be eligible to have your taxes done at the VITA site, you must have less than $58,000 in income in 2021. You need to bring any applicable IRS forms, like W-2s or 1099s and if you received advance child tax credit payments, you'll need that letter, as well. You also need proof of ID and Social Security cards for everyone on the return. The site will be regularly open Tuesdays from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Wednesdays from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
You can walk in and have your return prepared, or drop it off to have it prepared when time is available.