(BRIDGEPORT, CT) – Today, Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz, State Representative Sean Scanlon and Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim visited St. Pauls’ Child Development Center in Bridgeport to raise awareness and educate Connecticut residents on the expansion of the Connecticut Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).
Beginning June 1, 2022, families can apply to receive a state tax rebate of up to $250 per child for a maximum of three children as a result of the recently enacted 2022 Connecticut Child Tax Rebate that Governor Lamont signed into law in early May. The rebate provides direct relief to workers doing their best to provide for their families while confronting pandemic-related costs from masks and tests to childcare and internet access.
“With the passage of the 2023 budget adjustment bill, Connecticut residents will see more than than $600 million in tax cuts – the largest tax reduction in our state’s history,” said Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz. “Our state is feeling the squeeze of inflation as supply chain issues continue to persist across the globe. The application period for this rebate will take place over the next several weeks, with the rebates going out in late August, just in time for the start of the next school year. I strongly urge all eligible families in Connecticut to submit an application so that the rebate can be sent to you with no delays.”
Earlier this year, Governor Lamont retroactively enhanced the 2020 EITC from 23% of the federal credit to 41.5%, providing necessary economic support to low-to-moderate income working individuals and families disproportionately burdened by COVID-19 and its negative economic impacts.
The enhancement will benefit 198,708 households that earned up to $56,844 in 2020 and filed for that year’s EITC. For example, a single parent of two at the federal poverty level who received a $1,246 state credit in the spring will now receive an additional $1,002 for a total state credit of $2,248.
“This is a big deal. I introduced this for the first time in 2021, and we were able to get it passed this year thanks to the Lamont administration, Lt. Governor Bysiewicz and my colleagues like those here in Bridgeport who fought very hard to make this a reality,” said State Representative Sean Scanlon. “What’s important for us to note and why we are here today is because in order to receive this credit, you have to apply for this. Starting tomorrow, between June 1, 2022 and July 31, 2022, parents can apply for this child tax credit. We are here to spread the word that starting tomorrow, you can submit your application.”
“Trying to make ends meet will be a little bit easier under the leadership of Governor Lamont, our Lt. Governor, and Representative Scanlon and the General Assembly after coming together and expanding this credit,” said Mayor Joe Ganim. “On top of this, motor vehicle property taxes will be coming down a bit. Their leadership has made a difference, and will continue to make a difference in years to come.”
Tax cuts in Governor Lamont’s full package include suspending Connecticut’s excise tax on gasoline through November 30, 2022; enacting a $250 per-child tax credit for lower and middle-earning families; funding payments for earned income tax credit eligible households; increasing the property tax credit from $200 to $300; and speeding up a plan to eliminate taxes on pensions and annuities. In addition, bus fares on all public buses statewide will continue to be suspended until December.
Notably, it also reduces property taxes on motor vehicles in 75 cities and towns by capping mill rates at 32.46 and reimbursing the municipalities for the lost revenue. For example, if a town has a mill rate of 50, motor vehicle owners will pay a rate of 32.46 and the state will reimburse that town for the remainder.
To apply for the child tax credit, applicants should visit portal.ct.gov/DRS and click the icon that says, “2022 CT Child Tax Rebate.”
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For Immediate Release: Tuesday, May 31, 2022
Contact: Chelsea Neelon
Chelsea Neelon
Director of Communications
Office of Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz
210 Capitol Avenue, Room 304 | Hartford, CT 06106
Phone: 860-818-9589