Qualifying families can access free tax preparation through Maryland’s 211 Helpline
Baltimore, MD (March 22, 2022) – The benefits of the expanded and advance Child Tax Credit (CTC), implemented through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021, have been widely reported. However, millions of eligible low-income families have not yet received their credit – including 79,000 eligible families in Maryland according to United Way of Central Maryland.
A United for ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) analysis of the Census Household Pulse Survey found that 41 percent of U.S. households below the ALICE Threshold (meaning, they cannot afford basic needs like childcare, housing, food, transportation and health care) with children did not receive an advance Child Tax Credit payment between July and October 2021. These findings expand on the IRS reporting that there are millions of households across the country whose children had not been claimed on a recent tax return or do not appear on recent tax records and who may still be eligible to claim the expanded Child Tax Credit.
“The tax season is historically a busy time for our 211 Maryland call center, and this year is no exception,” said Franklyn Baker, president and CEO, United Way of Central Maryland. “Tax returns are incredibly important for our ALICE families here in central Maryland – and last year’s Child Tax Credit is an opportunity to help some of our neighbors get back on top of overdue bills or rent.”
During the pandemic, United Way of Central Maryland has helped to get federal and state eviction prevention funds to those in the community experiencing job loss or other hardships due to COVID through its innovative STEP (Strategic Targeted Eviction Prevention) Program. The organization surveyed participants in the program, revealing that while the emergency funding helped keep roofs over their heads, they still need services like job training and assistance, and help with utilities.
“We are uniquely positioned to continue and expand on the work we’ve been doing for years,” Baker added. “We have proven success in working with families and individuals to help them realize self-sufficiency. Helping families to secure this additional funding via the Child Tax Credit is one immediate action that supports United Way’s work to promote economic equity for all.”
Since most ALICE families are eligible for the full CTC amount ($3,000 per child aged 6–17 and $3,600 per child aged 5 and under), more than $238 million could still be accessed by Maryland families struggling the most.
Families Not Receiving the Child Tax Credit by Income and Amount
| Families with Children Below ALICE Threshold1 | Not Receiving CTC2 Number | Not Receiving CTC2 Percent | $ Amount Unclaimed (estimate)3 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maryland | 203,400 | 79,000 | 39% | $238 million |
| United States | 12 Million | 5 Million | 41% | $14.8 billion |
2 United For ALICE analysis of Census Household Pulse Survey, July–October 2021: In the last 4 weeks, did you or anyone in your household receive a “Child Tax Credit” payment, that is an advance payment from the expansion of the child tax credit as part of the Federal Government‘s 2021 American Rescue Plan? Please report “yes” if you received the payment as a paper check or as a direct deposit.
3 Estimate calculated by the number of families times $3,000
4 Metro NYC is the New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA Metro Area
Families can still file their taxes by April to receive the credit in one lump sum. And, through United Way of Central Maryland’s 211 Maryland partnerships, there is help for families to prepare their taxes and access the Child Tax Credit, as well as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Child and Dependent Care Credit.
For more information about tax preparation and filing assistance, visit 211md.org.
United Way of Central Maryland helps the working poor and those in poverty access basic needs like housing, healthcare, jobs, and education. The nonprofit’s programs promote equity, create opportunity, and improve the lives of our neighbors and the neighborhoods they call home. For nearly 100 years, United Way has tackled the toughest challenges in Baltimore City and Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Harford and Howard counties. Learn more at uwcm.org.
