Child Tax Credit Update: What Letter 6419 Means for Your Tax Refund

If you were eligible to receive advance Child Tax Credit payments in 2021, it’s important to be on the lookout for IRS Letter 6419. This letter plays a key role in your tax filing and could impact how much money you receive when you file your return.

At All Star Tax Pros, we want to make sure families across Huntsville and Madison County understand how this credit works and how to avoid common filing delays.

What Is IRS Letter 6419?

IRS Letter 6419 reports the total amount of advance Child Tax Credit payments you received during 2021. This information is required when completing Schedule 8812 and Form 1040 to calculate the remaining portion of the credit you may still be owed.

Important for married couples filing jointly:
Each spouse will receive a separate Letter 6419. Both letters are required to file an accurate tax return and avoid processing delays.

What Is the Child Tax Credit?

The Child Tax Credit is a benefit for families with children under the age of 17. Under the American Rescue Plan, the credit was temporarily increased for 2021:

  • Up to $3,600 for children under age 6
  • Up to $3,000 for children ages 6–17

Many families received monthly advance payments in 2021, with the remaining portion claimed when filing their tax return.

Income Limits and Eligibility

For 2021, the full Child Tax Credit was available to:

  • Married couples filing jointly earning under $150,000
  • Single filers earning under $75,000

The credit gradually phased out for taxpayers earning above those limits.

If you were eligible but did not receive advance payments, you can still claim the full credit when filing your 2021 tax return.

How to Get Your Refund Faster

To avoid delays and receive your refund as quickly as possible:

  • File your tax return electronically
  • Choose direct deposit
  • Make sure the Child Tax Credit amount reported matches IRS records

While tax returns can be filed starting in late January, refunds that include the Child Tax Credit are typically not issued until mid-February.

Filing Options to Consider

Some taxpayers may qualify for IRS-provided filing tools, while others may use tax software. However, free filing options often do not provide personalized tax advice, which can increase the risk of errors—especially when credits and advance payments are involved.

Working with a professional tax preparer can help ensure:

  • Accurate reporting
  • Maximum credits received
  • Fewer IRS delays or notices

Important Reminder for Future Tax Years

The expanded Child Tax Credit was not extended beyond 2021. Beginning in 2022, the credit reverted back to:

  • $2,000 per child
  • Issued as a tax refund, not monthly payments

Need Help Filing Your Return?

At All Star Tax Pros, we help families and individuals throughout Huntsville and Madison County file accurate returns, claim every credit they qualify for, and avoid costly delays.

If you received IRS Letter 6419—or are unsure how the Child Tax Credit affects your return—we’re here to help.

Schedule your tax appointment today and file with confidence.

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