Warning as Americans blocked from getting $300 child tax credit payment due to IRS error

SOME Americans may be blocked from receiving their expanded child tax credit payments due to an error on the IRS' website.

To help eligible families track the status of their payments, the agency launched an online portal, however, users have to sign up by creating an ID.me account.

The account is essential for child tax credit (CTC) recipients to manage their upcoming payments, update their banking information, and for determining their eligibility.

However, some users have reported receiving an "error code 2001" during their setup process, which could potentially put their payments in jeopardy.

WHY IS AN ID.ME ACCOUNT IMPORTANT?

The IRS, the Department of the Treasury, the Social Security Administration and other government agencies all use the ID.me tool to verify your identification.

Once you've been verified on a site that uses ID.me, you can use the same login information on any website that uses the secure log-in service.

Currently, the IRS is using the accounts for just its child tax credits.

If you wish to opt out of monthly CTC payments this year, in favor of a lump sum next, you will need this account with the IRS to do so.

If you already have an IRS account and username, you can use that instead.

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HOW TO SIGN UP

To sign up for an ID.me account, you'll need a number of items to hand, including your Social Security number, a photo ID, and a phone or computer that has a camera.

Visit the Child Tax Credit Portal and hit the blue button, and then press Unenroll from Advance payments.

On the next page, press "ID.me Create an Account".

Type in your email address and select a password.

Hit "Create Account", accept the Terms and Conditions, and then press continue.

Next, you'll be asked to confirm your email address before uploading a picture of your photo ID. If you want to use your phone, you will be sent text send a message with a link to take and submit your photos.

You'll then enter your Social Security number and be asked to confirm all other information you've entered.

ID.me will send you a text message confirming that you want to set up an account.

Press "Allow and Continue" and the sign-up process will be complete.

WHAT IS 'ERROR CODE 2001'?

Numerous social media users have reported receiving an error code 2001 when using their ID.me account to log into the IRS website.

The error is accompanied by a message which reads: "A condition has been identified that's preventing your access to this service."

It's currently unclear what's causing the message to pop up.

If you receive the warning, be sure to contact the IRS directly.

HOW DO CTC PAYMENTS WORK?

The Biden administration has expanded the Child Tax Credit for 2021 to $3,600 for kids up to age six, and $3,000 for children aged between six and 17.

College students or dependents age 18 through 24 will get a one-time payment of $500 in 2022 by the IRS.

Single filers with an AGI of $75,000 or less, $112,500 as a head of household, or $150,000 filing jointly will receive the full payment.

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To find out if you qualify and, if so, how much you're due to receive via either direct deposit or a mailed check, you can use the child tax credit calculator on CNet's website.