Get Your Refund CT

Did you know that there’s still time to claim your COVID relief money?

Many families like yours in Connecticut are owed Earned Income and Child Tax Credits – cash benefits that can bring in more than $6,000 a year – and they don’t even know it! We want to get this money into YOUR hands — NOW!

Not sure if you filed a tax return or are eligible for these refunds? Call 860-590-8910. More questions? Visit https://simplifyct.org/contact/

Alert: Enhanced COVID tax benefits and relief funds expire on April 15, 2025. Don’t wait to schedule a virtual or in-person appointment to claim YOUR money now!

If you:

* Make up to $64,000
* Have a disability, or
* Speak limited English

Then, an IRS-certified tax preparer is ready to work with you to get your unclaimed cash benefits. We will work with you every step of the way to get you the refund you are owed.

You may be eligible for:

* Federal Earned Income Tax Credits – up to $6,000 per family
* Child Tax Credits – up to $2,000 per child
* Education Credits – up to $2,500 per student
* State Earned Income Tax Credits – up to $1,200 per family

I received a notice in the mail from the IRS that I was behind in filing my taxes and I didn’t know where to go or what to do and I was worried that I owed money to the IRS. Then, I found out about the free tax preparation day at Silas Bronson Library and made an appointment to have my taxes done. Nick took great care of me and told me that I will be getting a refund. He even made me aware of additional documents that I could obtain to get even more money back. I am so thankful to have this program available that provides trained IRS tax preparers, at no cost to me, that I can trust. – Samantha Rosado, Waterbury

Get Your Refund FAQs

How much money will I get from my refund? Will I owe money if I file?

• The amount of your refund depends on:
  • Your filing status (which shows how many deductions you will be able to take)
  • How many dependents you have (typically children or relatives that you support financially, etc.)
  • How much your employer/s withheld from your paycheck. (This will tell us if you can claim any credits).
• You can use the IRS Withholding Estimator to see if you will get a refund or have a balance due.

Where can I get free tax preparation services?

• Most VITA partners provide free tax preparation services for low-to-moderate income families who earn around $64,000, but we do our best to not turn anyone away.
• IRS Free File offers free tax filing for individuals and families who earn $79,000 or less

What are the enhanced COVID federal tax benefits?

• During COVID, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 provided the enhanced 2021 Child Tax Credit, where taxpayers with dependents were eligible for credits at the end of 2021:
  • $3,600 for children ages five and under
  • $3,000 for children ages six through 17
  • Taxpayers were also eligible for the Recovery Rebate Credit – also known as the 3rd stimulus payment – in the amount of $1,400 per person.
• For more information about these benefits, please visit: https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-payments-in-2021

How will filing my taxes affect my other government-provided benefits?

• Filing taxes does not affect any of your other government-provided benefits. However, please check with the agencies who provide your benefits to make sure they are accurately reporting your income. This reporting determines whether you are eligible for these benefits.

Can I file taxes as an immigrant?

• Yes! You can file taxes as an immigrant. As long as you are required to file taxes, you should file them, regardless of where you come from.

Will filing my taxes impact my immigration status?

• Filing taxes is usually seen as an act that shows good morals, and it can help with immigration procedures. It shows compliance with U.S. tax laws, and it can positively help the legalization process.

What do I do if I have made money outside of the United States?

• Typically, if you earn income outside of the United States, you still need to include it on your U.S. income tax return.

What information do I need to file my taxes?

• You will need your:
  • Social Security card or ITIN (for yourself and dependents, if any)
  • A government-issued photo ID
  • Any income documents you received, such as W2s/1099 forms

What do I do if I do not have a social security number?

• If you do not have a Social Security number but are eligible for one, you can request a replacement card from the Social Security Administration. If you do not qualify for a Social Security number, you will need to apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to file your taxes.

What is an ITIN?

• An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is a nine-digit tax processing number issued by the IRS for people who do not have a Social Security number. The ITIN allows you to file your taxes and comply with Federal Tax Laws.
• For more information on ITINs, please visit https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/taxpayer-identification-numbers-tin

Will filing my taxes affect other benefits my family or children receive?

• The Child Tax Credit, the Earned Income Tax Credit and the third stimulus payment are not counted as income and will not affect the other benefits you or your family will receive (for example: SNAP, Section 8 Housing, TANF)

What is the difference between a tax credit and a tax deduction?

• A tax credit is an amount you have already paid toward your income taxes. (It may have been taken out of your paychecks.) The amount is subtracted from the taxes you owe. This can lower your tax payment or increase your refund. Some credits are refundable: that means that the IRS may give you money back even if you don’t owe any taxes.
• A tax deduction is an amount you subtract from your income when you file so you don’t pay tax on it. (Tax credits include student loan interest, self-employment deductions, and more. A VITA tax preparer can help you find out if you have tax deductions you can include.) By lowering your income, deductions lower your tax.
• For more information on tax credits and tax deductions, please visit https://www.irs.gov/credits-and-deductions-for-individuals

What if I can’t afford to pay the taxes I owe?

• If you can’t pay the taxes you owe by the original filing due date, which is typically April 15, the government may charge you interest and a monthly late payment penalty.
• There’s also a penalty for not filing a tax return, so you should file on time even if you can’t pay your balance in full. It’s always in your best interest to pay in full as soon as you can so you can minimize additional charges.
• The IRS offers Short-Term Payment Plans and Long-Term Installment Agreements. Payment options are either directly debited from your bank account, through online payments or mailing in a check or money order.
• To learn more about the various payment options, please visit https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc202

Do I have to file if I don’t want to?

• We are here help you. If you feel you don’t want to file your taxes, it’s your choice. Typically, you are required to file a tax return unless you do not meet the filing threshold. However, even if you don’t meet the filing requirements, you should still file your taxes so you don’t miss any credits you might be entitled to. These credits mean more money back into your pocket!

What do I do if I already filed my 2021 taxes, but didn’t claim any of the enhanced tax benefits?

• Good news: If you are eligible you can amend your 2021 tax return to claim the enhanced tax benefits. A VITA tax professional can determine if you qualify.

If you have any further questions, please email our team at getyourrefund@ctunitedway.org

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English Social Media

Did you know there’s still time to collect your COVID relief money from 2021? If you’re a Connecticut resident and have not received your COVID relief money, there’s still time—but it’s running out quickly. That’s why United Way of Connecticut and our trusted partners will help you get the money you’re owed. Whether it’s COVID relief money or child credits, visit ctunitedway.org/getyourrefund and we’ll help you get your money.

Spanish Social Media

¿Sabía que todavía hay tiempo para recibir su dinero de apoyo por COVID de 2021? Si es residente de Connecticut y no ha recibido su dinero de apoyo por COVID, todavía está a tiempo, pero el tiempo es limitado. Es por eso que United Way of Connecticut, junto a nuestros socios confiables, lo ayudarán a obtener el dinero que se le debe. Ya sea dinero de apoyo por COVID o créditos para sus hijos, visite a la página de ctunitedway.org/getyourrefund y le ayudaremos recibir su dinero.

News

• Nonprofits say poor CT families missed $120 million in tax relief
• NBC Connecticut
• The Stu Bryer Show
• Connecticut East This Week Podcast
• Public News Service