Press Releases

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) today joined legislation from Reps. Katie Porter (D-Calif.), Don Beyer (D-Va.), and Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.) to make it easier for families headed by single parents to get help from the expanded Child Tax Credit. The Single Parent Penalty Elimination Act would change the income threshold for Americans filing as heads of household—the status most commonly used by single parents—so that it is the same as those who are married filing jointly.

“As a mom, I know the cost of raising a child doesn’t change depending on how many parents or caregivers are in that kid’s life—groceries, child care, and doctors’ appointments always cost the same,” said Pingree. “But the Child Tax Credit gives less support to families led by a single parent. That means less money going to support those kids. I’m proud to join this important bill to make sure the government supports our children, no matter if they have a single parent or multiple caregivers.”

The Child Tax Credit was created to offset the costs of raising a child by putting more money in families’ pockets. Under current law, eligibility for the Child Tax Credit begins to phase out at $150,000 annual income for married couples and $112,500 annual income for single parents. Porter’s legislation would raise the income threshold to $150,000, regardless of whether a taxpayer is filing jointly or as a head of household.

A one-pager on the single parent penalty can be found here.

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