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Dear AmeriCorps sponsors and supervisors,
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated rates of poverty across the country. The Child Tax Credit, made possible by the American Rescue Plan, has the potential to reduce childhood poverty in America by half, but only to the extent that eligible families claim the credit.
To support and advance the mission of the AmeriCorps VISTA program, I am temporarily permitting assignment flexibility that provides an opportunity for members to participate in activities supporting Child Tax Credit enrollment. Activities may include outreach, education, and direct enrollment of eligible individuals for this tax credit. These activities may be outside the scope of a member’s original VISTA Assignment Description. This flexibility shall remain in effect from Monday, Sept. 13, 2021 - Friday, Nov. 15, 2021.
This flexibility pertains only to activities supporting the tax credit's enrollment. All other AmeriCorps VISTA program policies, terms, and conditions remain in effect, and benefits and protections afforded and provided to members and sponsors shall continue during this time.
Please see below for additional information regarding the tax credit and this flexibility. Please contact your portfolio manager with any additional questions. AmeriCorps VISTA is happy to join AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP and Foster Grandparent programs in supporting these efforts.
Warmest regards,
Meg Ansara
Director, AmeriCorps VISTA
What is the Child Tax Credit and where can I learn more?
The Child Tax Credit is a federal income tax credit for parents with dependent children (“qualifying persons”), whose income is within the income limits as set by the IRS 26 U.S.C. §24. Under the American Rescue Plan of 2021, the Child Tax Credit increased up to $4,000 for one qualifying person and $8,000 for two or more qualifying persons. See IRS Child and Dependent Care Credit FAQs.
Why is this important now?
While most eligible families will automatically receive the credit because of previous tax filings or receipt of stimulus checks, there remains a significant population of “non-filers” who are eligible for the tax credit, but who must use the IRS’s non-filer portal to apply. Indeed, the Treasury currently estimates that there are 4-8 million families who are eligible for the tax credit but have not currently applied for the credit. With the IRS non-filer portal scheduled to cease operation by mid-November 2021, we have a current, yet time-sensitive, window of opportunity to reach non-filers through targeted outreach, education, and individualized application support. Given AmeriCorps VISTA program’s exclusive focus on alleviating poverty, our participation in Child Tax Credit-related activities will ensure that more of the people we serve have access to critically needed resources.
What is the period of flexibility?
The flexibility for members to engage in activities outside of their originally approved VISTA Assignment Description to support Child Tax Credit enrollment efforts shall remain in effect from Monday, Sept. 13, 2021 - Friday, Nov. 15, 2021.
What kind of activities, outside of the approved VISTA Assignment Description, are permitted during this period of flexibility?
During this period of flexibility, members may engage in outreach, education, and direct enrollment activities in support of Child Tax Credit enrollment. All other AmeriCorps program policies, terms, and conditions remain in effect.
Additionally, in permitting temporary tax credit activities that may be outside a member’s original assignment, sponsors should ensure:
- The sponsor and AmeriCorps member both voluntarily wish to be involved in such service.
- Appropriate supervision and other supports are available to the member.
- The service activities will not endanger the safety of the member.
- The service activities are targeted to the low-income community.
Am I required to submit a revised VISTA Assignment Description?
No, you are not required to submit a revised VISTA Assignment Description. Activities in support of tax credit enrollment efforts are permitted for a limited duration. After Friday, Nov. 15, 2021 all members must resume activities from their originally approved assignment.
Do I need to notify my portfolio manager if members serving with my project are supporting Child Tax Credit efforts?
Sponsors are encouraged to inform their portfolio manager of any member/project involvement in supporting Child Tax Credit efforts. We will share a summary of how these AmeriCorps members are supporting this credit with the White House. Participating members and projects will receive recognition from AmeriCorps for their efforts.
What if I have additional questions?
Please contact your assigned portfolio manager with any additional questions.
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