Leaderboard

Our firm has taken the position that we will not recommend that clients take the money or opt out (except in cases where 2021 income is certain to be above eligibility). We wrote a generic email to respond to client queries that explains that there is an enhanced CTC and that half of it will be paid in advance for taxpayers within certain income parameters. Receiving it may lower their 2021 refund, or if their income rises above the limits in the IRS letter, they will have to pay some or all of it back. If they think their income will rise or they like the idea of a big refund all at once, they might want to opt out. If they need the money now, they might choose not to opt out. (We are not calculating their amounts or making the decision for them!)

Wouldn't you have to have a signed 2848 in order to do it for them? I think that the approach that Sara's firm is taking makes a lot of sense.

Based on history here, I suspect the majority here would stay out of the client's "business" as far as something not related to processing their returns. IN other words, just as it seems most who specialize in tax prep do not want to help with W4 management, reviewing pay stubs a time or two during the year, etc., so however the client wants to handle (or not) any possible credit is not likely a concern until filing time. I like the position Sara's form has taken as it touches on the options and ramifications without providing an opinion or suggestion. Sometimes clients have to strap up and adult. On the other hand, if they want to pay for a few hours of consultation, there may be some who are willing to provide specific advice.

"Taxpayers who do not wish to receive the advance payments, whether for changes in income, status of dependents, or otherwise, will be able to opt out of automatic advance payments in order to avoid having to make a year-end repayment. The unenrollment process will be completed via a tool on the online IRS portal; however, this feature is not yet available as of their June 7, 2021, announcement and any alternate means to opt-out in the meantime have not been provided. A similar tool to be released later in 2021 will allow taxpayers to update relevant income and dependent information on the IRS portal so that they may receive a more accurate monthly credit payment."

I really see this being a nightmare for divorced parents who take turns claiming the dependent. And for the tax preparers who need to know how much they got during the year.