If you have a child in your family and filed a 2002 Income Tax form, you might have a hefty check coming to you in the mail shortly! The Child Tax Credits are on their way.

The Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act is the cause of all of this. It really goes into effect for 2003, but since taxpayers have been paying 'extra' into the pot during over half of 2002, they granted a return for every family with a child. The maximum amount is around $400 per child claimed.

The checks are being mailed based on the last two digits of the parent's social security number:

00—33 – July 25 mailing
34—66 – August 1 mailing
67—99 – August 8 mailing

The mailing of checks is automatic, and only goes to parents who claimed a child on their 2002 tax form.