8/20/2021
A new feature has been launched on the IRS website that allows those receiving monthly Child Tax Credit payments to update their mailing address in the Child Tax Credit Update Portal. This will help those who choose to receive payments by paper checks to avoid mailing delays or having payments returned as undeliverable. It is also helpful for those receiving payments by direct deposit, since the IRS will mail a year-end summary statement called Letter 6419 to everyone receiving advance Child Tax Credit payments this year. Having a current address on file with the IRS will make sure you receive this letter, which is necessary for you to accurately complete your 2021 tax return and claim the remainder of your tax credit.
You can have your September and all future checks sent to your new address by using the portal to submit an address change request. You should complete the request before Monday, August 30 at midnight (EST) for the change to take affect for the September 15 payment. Once you update your mailing address in the Child Tax Credit Update Portal, the IRS will use it for all future IRS correspondence.
Other features available through the Child Tax Credit Update Portal include:
Verify eligibility for advance Child Tax Credit payments
Change from receiving paper checks to direct deposit
Change the bank account where payments are deposited
Stop (opt-out) of monthly payments for the remainder of 2021
There are more updates and features planned for the Child Tax Credit Update Portal.
Later this year, you will also be able to use the Child Tax Credit Update Portal tool to:
Add or remove children
Report a change in marital status
Report significant changes in income
The IRS has created a page where you can find the most up-to-date information here: Advance Child Tax Credit Payments in 2021. It features an updated set of FAQs, a new user guide - IRS User Guide:
Child Tax Credit Update Portal (Publication 5549), direct links to the portal, and other tools and helpful resources.