Technology, Accessibility, and the Child Tax Credit
Code for America's GetCTC portal simplifies access to the Child Tax Credit for low-income families by providing a mobile-friendly, bilingual platform for streamlined tax filing.
In response to the expanded Advance Child Tax Credit (AdvCTC) initiated in July 2021, which aimed to provide monthly payments of up to $300 per child to approximately 39 million families, Code for America developed GetCTC—a user-friendly tax filing portal designed to assist individuals with low or no incomes in claiming the Child Tax Credit and any missed stimulus payments.
Recognizing that many in this demographic do not regularly file taxes and thus are not in the IRS system, the portal was tailored to meet their specific needs. Drawing from insights gained through their GetYourRefund service, Code for America emphasized the importance of mobile accessibility, given that many non-filers lack desktop computer access. The development process involved overcoming technical and administrative challenges, including integrating with IRS systems to allow for the e-filing of simplified returns. The result is a platform that reduces barriers to accessing vital tax benefits for underserved communities.
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