Rep. Moore proposes changes to Child Tax Credit, new pregnancy benefits

Photo: Election Day

WASHINGTON — Rep. Blake Moore introduced legislation Thursday that would modify the Child Tax Credit and create new tax benefits for pregnant women, as key provisions from the 2017 tax law approach expiration.

The Family First Act would increase the Child Tax Credit to $4,200 for children under 6 and $3,000 for children aged 6-17, while establishing a new $2,800 tax credit for pregnant women. The legislation aims to address the upcoming expiration of enhanced credits established by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.

“This year, with the expiration of provisions from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, we have an opportunity to champion pro-family policies,” Moore said. “The Family First Act will streamline federal tax policies into an enhanced Child Tax Credit for working families and new tax credit for pregnant mothers.”

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Utah Governor Spencer Cox expressed support for the legislation, noting its alignment with state priorities. “Utah is at the forefront of strengthening and growing families,” Cox said. “We’re grateful for Rep. Moore’s efforts to advance our work through his Family First Act.”

Key provisions of the bill include:
– Income requirements of $20,000 to receive the full child tax credit
– A $10,000 minimum income threshold for pregnancy benefits
– Annual inflation indexing for earnings thresholds
– Social Security Number requirements for parents and claimed children
– Income phaseouts beginning at $200,000 for single filers and $400,000 for joint filers
– A cap of six children annually per family

The legislation proposes to offset costs by consolidating the Earned Income Tax Credit, eliminating the child and dependent care tax credit, repealing the Head of Household filing status, and maintaining a $10,000 cap on state and local tax deductions.

According to recent demographic data, the U.S. fertility rate has declined to 1.67 children per woman, below the replacement rate of 2.1. A 2023 Gallup poll indicated that 44% of Americans consider two children ideal, while 45% prefer three or more children.

Without congressional action, the current Child Tax Credit will revert to $1,000 at the end of the year. The bill has received support from various advocacy organizations and is currently awaiting committee consideration.