Personal Finance

Child Tax Credit Now Available To USVI Residents

Low-income families in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico can now apply to receive payments under the revised Child Tax Credit.

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS —For the first time, Americans living in the U.S. Virgin Islands can take advantage of the Child Tax Credit. The credit was extended under the American Rescue Plan, the $1.9 trillion COVID relief package passed by Congress in March.

The Child Tax Credit is intended to assist low-income families. By expanding eligibility to families in U.S. territories, including Puerto Rico and the USVI, experts estimate that the credit will help 69 million children nationwide.


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The new Child Tax Credit also expands coverage to children 17 and younger, a bump up from 16 and younger. And the tax credit amount has been increased from $2,000 to $3,600 for children under age 6, and $3,000 for other children under age 18.

Eligible families will receive advance payments in 2021, similar to how the stimulus checks have been sent. Families can use the money for housing, food, child care and more.

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