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According to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), taxpayers must prepare themselves for smaller tax refunds this 2023. Especially during the rising inflation and projected recession, it is the worst time for tax refunds to decrease.
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Internal Revenue Service [Photo: Mental Floss]
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Child and Dependent Care Credit
According to Keshner, in 2021, this tax credit has been generous with a maximum payout for a single dependent ranging from $1,050 to $4,000. For two or more dependents, up to $8,000 can be received. Unfortunately, for 2022, the maximum amount has been decreased to $2,100. This credit, however, is not widely used. In an average tax season, only around 12% of families will profit from this tax credit. In 2022, the percentage increased to around 14% of families with children. One of the reasons why this tax credit is not widely used is that other childcare tax credits are also available.
Child Tax Credit
In 2021, the child tax credit has increased from a maximum of $2,000 to $3,600 per child of under 6 years old. For children aged 6 to 17, the maximum amount has increased to $3,000. Half of the tax credits were paid in monthly installments in the second half of 2021, while the other half was included in the 2021 tax refunds. However, in 2022, the maximum amount has decreased back to $2,000 and the recipients have been limited to the age of 16 instead of 17.
Earned Income Tax Credit
Like both previously mentioned tax credit programs, the earned income tax credit also received a temporary increase from the American Rescue Plan in March 2021. The biggest increase was given to individuals without children who claimed this tax credit. The maximum amount for these recipients increased from $500 to $1,500. At one time, the eligibility for minimum age dropped from 25 to 19 and the maximum age was put on hold which means that individuals who were 65 and older have been included. In July 2022, over 29 million returns have claimed this credit compared to the 22 million returns claimed in 2020.
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