July 27, 2021
No items found.

New York Times Publishes Explainer on Child Tax Credit

The revamped Child Tax Credit went into effect this month, with much-needed money being distributed to parents across the country. While this will be a boon for many parents, it also has the potential to create headaches for parents come tax season. Thankfully, the New York Times published helpful suggestions on who should take the credit and who should opt out.

As a reminder, the Child Tax Credit was expanded under the most recent round of stimulus, passed over the winter. The coverage expanded and the total amount went up, to $3,600 per year for each child under 6. The distribution mechanism also changed. Instead of claiming the credit when filing taxes, now parents can receive cash deposits of $300 per month per child. The credit is also now fully refundable, allowing parents to receive the credit even if they owe no taxes.

However, for some households, the Times explains, it can be a good idea to opt out of receiving the direct deposits. For separated parents who share custody, for instance, each parent may alternate years for claiming a dependent. Because the new deposits are based on the 2019 or 2020 tax returns, it may automatically go to the most recent parent to claim a dependent, even if it is the other parent’s year.

Other reasons to opt out include major changes in income, self-employment, and parents who expect large refunds. We will continue to cover the Child Tax Credit as it has the potential to be expanded even more in the coming years.


white line

Culture Wars, Not Class Struggle, at the Root of Anti-Lockdown Protests

May 19, 2020
No items found.
Though media outlets, politicians and protestors all claim that these protests against shutdown represent the will of the working class, polls have repeatedly shown that the less income you have, the more likely you are to be concerned about infection.

Early Discrimination Lawsuits Under Families First Act Highlight Potential New Front in Employment Discrimination

May 15, 2020
No items found.
The Families First Act stipulates that employers must give employee-parents whose children’s day care facilities or schools closed in response to coronavirus paid leave if they cannot work remotely. Lawsuits are already being filed relating to violations of this Act, and family responsibilities discrimination will be a growing field in the coming months.

New Research Demonstrates Women of Color Hardest Hit by Pandemic’s Economic Catastrophe

May 14, 2020
Gender Discrimination
Race Discrimination
Just as the coronavirus itself has not affected the general population proportionally, its economic consequences haven't either.

Get In Touch

Knowing where to turn in legal matters can make a big difference. Contact our employment lawyers to determine if we can help you.