If you're receiving monthly child tax credit payments in the mail, you can now update your mailing address on the IRS's Child Tax Credit Update Portal. This helps families receiving paper checks avoid mailing delays or having the payment returned as undeliverable.
If you want your October check mailed to a new address, you can go on the portal and make the change before midnight (Eastern Time) on October 4. You can still submit a change after that date, but your request won't take effect until the next scheduled monthly payment. The portal is found on the IRS website.
Address Change for Letter 6419
If you submit a new address through the Child Tax Credit Update Portal, the IRS will also use the updated address when it sends your year-end summary statement (Letter 6419). This statement will be mailed to all taxpayers who received monthly child tax credit payments during 2021. Having a current address on file with the IRS will ensure prompt delivery of this statement.
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You'll need Letter 6419 when you fill out your 2021 tax return next year. It's important because the monthly payments received during 2021 will generally cover only half of the total child tax credit you're entitled to receive. You'll claim the remaining amount on your 2021 tax return, but you'll need information from the IRS statement to calculate the exact amount.
Features Available on the Child Tax Credit Update Portal
The Child Tax Credit Update Portal is a secure, password-protected online tool that lets you manage your monthly child tax credit payments. All you need is internet access and a smart phone or computer. However, to access the portal, you first must verify your identity. If you already have an existing IRS account, you're good to go. Otherwise, you'll need to verify your identity using an ID.me account.
In addition to changing your mailing address, you can use the portal to:
- Verify eligibility for monthly payments;
- Switch from paper check payments to direct deposit;
- Change the bank account to which your payment is directly deposited; and
- Opt-out of monthly payments for the rest of 2021.
Any of these changes made before midnight (Eastern Time) on October 4, will apply to the October 15 payment and all subsequent monthly payments, which are scheduled for November 15 and December 15.
The IRS plans to add new features to the Child Tax Credit Update Portal soon. Later this year, parents will also be able to use the portal to:
- Add or remove children in most situations;
- Report a change in marital status; and
- Report a significant change in income.
There are also two other online tools – the Non-Filer Sign Up Tool and the Child Tax Credit Eligibility Assistant – that can help eligible families who aren't currently receiving monthly payments.
For complete coverage of this year's child tax credit, see Child Tax Credit 2021: How Much Will I Get? When Will Monthly Payments Arrive? And Other FAQs.