VALID › Notice Library › Letter 6417

In the IRS’s own words · not reviewed by VALID

6417 letter explained, in the IRS’s own words

Letter 6417 highlights key changes to the 2021 Child Tax Credit that affect families with dependents under the age of 18. This letter is on White House letterhead and is signed by President Joseph R. Biden, Jr.

Read the full 6417 page on irs.gov ↗

Quoted from www.irs.gov/individuals/understanding-your-letter-6417, read October 15, 2026 · fingerprint e56c32fd2281

What this letter is about

Letter 6417 highlights key changes to the 2021 Child Tax Credit that affect families with dependents under the age of 18. This letter is on White House letterhead and is signed by President Joseph R. Biden, Jr.

The American Rescue Plan Act expanded the Child Tax Credit to provide needed tax relief to almost all working families with children. The act authorized the IRS to pay half of your expected Child Tax Credit in advance, so you can receive it this year. You will claim the other half when you file your 2021 income tax return.

If you received this letter, you should start receiving advance Child Tax Credit payments (also called child tax relief payment) automatically as early as July 15, 2021.

What to do next

  • Write down the date on the letter today.
  • Look the number up on irs.gov yourself. Don’t trust a link or phone number from anyone else.
  • If it says you owe money or proposes changes to your return, take it to a licensed CPA, EA or tax attorney before that date.

Not advice. Not a filing. Verify with a licensed professional. Rules change by year and facts.

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