Rep. Wilkerson Commends Start of Monthly Federal Child Tax Credit Payments for Georgia Families

            ATLANTA – Georgia House Minority Whip David Wilkerson (D-Powder Springs) commends the implementation of the federal Expanded and Improved Child Tax Credit, which passed under the federal American Rescue Plan. As of today, eligible American families will receive monthly advance payments of $300 per child.

            “Today, Georgia families can expect to receive payments that will help them provide for their children in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Whip Wilkerson. “I commend my congressman, David Scott, and all the Democratic members of the U.S. House and Senate for solely passing the American Rescue Plan. Its passage conveys greatly how President Biden and the U.S. Congress recognize the plight of American families and their commitment to significantly reduce the child poverty rate. Georgia ranks 38th in the nation for child and family well-being, so it is my hope that this child tax credit provides Georgia families some assurance.”

            Georgia families who make up to $150,000 as a couple or $112,500 for a family with a single parent will be eligible for the full tax credit. These earners with children under six years old will automatically be eligible to receive a total of $3,600 per child, while families with children from six to 17 years old will receive a total of $3,000 per child.

            These tax credits will be distributed monthly by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The IRS will distribute half of the total credit amount through December 2021. Families will continue to receive the other half of the credit in monthly payments once they file their 2021 income tax return. Parents and guardians can expect to see these payments in either direct deposit, a debit card or check.

            “President Biden is calling for the Child Tax Credit to be expanded in his American Families Plan,” added Whip Wilkerson. “He believes that low-income families will benefit the most from this proposed tax credit. In addition, these payments are also expected to close racial equity gaps, which is a major initiative of the president.”

Representative David Wilkerson represents the citizens of District 38, which includes portions of Cobb County. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 2010 and currently serves as House Minority Whip. He also serves on the Budget and Fiscal Affairs Oversight, Juvenile Justice, Ethics, Rules, Retirement and Science and Technology committees.

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