VALID › Notice Library › Letter 6550
In the IRS’s own words · not reviewed by VALID
6550 letter explained, in the IRS’s own words
Our records show you may qualify for one or more of the credits below expanded by the American Rescue Plan Act for 2021. You can receive the full amount of these credits even if you have little or no income.
Read the full 6550 page on irs.gov ↗
What this letter is about
Our records show you may qualify for one or more of the credits below expanded by the American Rescue Plan Act for 2021. You can receive the full amount of these credits even if you have little or no income.
You must file a 2021 tax return to claim these credits.
Recovery Rebate Credit
- For stimulus payment amounts you did not receive in 2021
- U.S. citizens or resident aliens with a valid Social Security number may qualify
- Worth up to:
Get more information on the Recovery Rebate Credit
Child Tax Credit
- You may have received up to half of this amount through monthly payments in 2021. You must file a tax return to receive the rest. See Letter 6419 for more information.
Get more information on the Child Tax Credit
Earned Income Tax Credit
- Helps low and moderate-income workers and families
- Based on your wages and income from self-employment
- Worth up to:
Get more information on the Earned Income Tax Credit
To claim these credits, file a return as soon as possible.
The easiest, fastest and most secure way to claim these credits is to electronically file a 2021 income tax return. Electronic filing options are only available for a limited time. Visit ChildTaxCredit.gov as soon as possible to file your return. More information on electronic filing is available at IRS.gov/freefile.
If you miss the electronic filing period, you can still claim the credits by filing a paper return. Find tax forms or publications by visiting IRS.gov/forms or calling 800-TAX-FORM ( 800-829-3676).
If you’ve already filed your 2021 tax return claiming these credits, or were a dependent of another taxpayer for 2021, please disregard this notice.
Will claiming these credits affect my eligibility for federal benefits?
Claiming these credits has no effect on your eligibility for federal benefits such as:
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
- Women, Infants and Children (WIC)
Will claiming these credits affect my immigration status?
It won’t affect your immigration status, ability to get a green card or immigration benefits.
Reference tools
- Publication 1, Your Rights as a Taxpayer
- Publication 17, Your Federal Income Tax
- Full list of tax forms and instructions
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.