If you have dependent children and do not typically file a tax return, the IRS is collecting information to ensure that you receive the expanded month in advance payment of the child tax credit beginning in July.

The new non-filer sign-up tool allows low-income households to determine eligibility for the child tax credit by providing personal information and a bank account number to receive the direct deposit.

The non-filer tool only covers parents or legal guardians who are not required to file a tax return for 2020, such as those with little or no income or legal domicile, and who have not and will not file.

Families who filed a 2020 or 2019 tax return and claimed all existing dependents should not use this tool and need not take any additional action to claim the deduction, as the IRS will determine eligibility when processing the return.

Several other groups are also excluded from using the new non-filer tool:

The expansion of the child tax credit, which was part of the Biden Administration's American Rescue Plan, increases the credit through the end of 2021 and allows half of the credit to be claimed as a monthly advance payment

The plan would allow the taxpayer to claim half of the credit as a monthly advance payment.

Eligible families can receive up to $3,600 per child under age 6 and up to $3,000 per child ages 6-17, with the expanded amount phasing out after $75,000 of income for single taxpayers and $150,000 for married taxpayers The expanded amount phases out for single taxpayers with incomes over $75,000 and married taxpayers with incomes over $150,000. Higher-income households will receive up to $2,000 for each eligible dependent.

If you are one of those eligible to use the new, non-filer sign-up tool, access the form online. The procedure requires the following information:

If your 2020 income exceeds $12,400, the IRS will guide you through the e-filing option to file your tax return instead of continuing with the sign-up tool.

According to CBS News, another tool to determine prepayment eligibility will be launched in the coming weeks. There will also be a third tool that will allow taxpayers to opt out of the prepayment program. Those who withdraw will be able to offset their 2021 income tax liability with the full amount of the credit.