The basics:

• New Jersey launches free SimpleFile tax credit website
• Eligible families can claim Child Tax Credit in about 15 minutes
• FY2027 budget increases maximum Child Tax Credit to $1,250
• Tool aims to reach thousands of families who don’t file tax returns

New Jersey families who qualify for the state’s refundable Child Tax Credit now have a new, simplified way to claim the benefit.

On July 10, Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s administration launched SimpleFile, a free, mobile-friendly website. Developed through a partnership between the New Jersey Innovation Authority, the state Division of Taxation and Code for America, the online tool is designed to help lower-income families who may not otherwise file tax returns claim the incentive in about 15 minutes. The service is available in English and Spanish for eligible residents who had a child age 5 or younger in 2025.

State officials said more than 200,000 families already receive the credit annually. However, it believes thousands of additional eligible households are missing out because they are not required to file taxes.

The launch also follows the recently approved FY2027 state budget. The spending plan expands New Jersey’s Child Tax Credit from up to $1,000 to as much as $1,250 beginning next year.

‘Every dollar matters’

“Helping more New Jersey families benefit from our state’s Child Tax Credit is one of the most direct ways we can make life more affordable, because every dollar matters for parents who need child care, groceries, clothes, and other essentials,” said Sherrill. “We fought to expand our state’s Child Tax Credit in this year’s budget, and children across New Jersey will benefit from that increase starting next year.

“SimpleFile makes sure families can access the credit they qualify for today and turns a budget win into real money in the hands of our families.”

Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell said the new platform reflects the administration’s effort to make government services easier to access.

“New Jersey families deserve a government that works as hard as they do,” said Caldwell. “As a father, I know that every dollar and every hour matters when you are raising a family. SimpleFile is how we deliver on that promise, removing barriers between hardworking families and the support they have already earned.”

Senate President Nick Scutari, D-22nd District, said the website supports the state’s broader affordability initiatives.

“Building a more affordable New Jersey goes hand in hand with creating a more accessible government that delivers services effectively,” said Scutari. “SimpleFile is one way we are delivering on those goals … As the cost of raising a family continues to climb, tools like SimpleFile help put relief within reach.”

Simplifying tax filing

State Treasurer Aaron Binder said SimpleFile will help ensure eligible families receive benefits they have earned.

“Navigating tax season can be overwhelming for many families,” said Binder. “SimpleFile provides a clear, convenient way to apply for the Child Tax Credit, particularly for low-income residents not required to file taxes. Our goal is for every eligible family to apply for and receive this vital benefit.”

Chief Innovation Officer Dave Cole said the technology was built to eliminate barriers that prevent families from claiming available assistance.

“Gov. Sherrill made a promise to New Jersey families, and SimpleFile is how we keep it,” said Cole. “We built this website because too many families were leaving money on the table, not because they didn’t qualify, but because it was too hard to claim what was already theirs.”

Amanda Renteria, CEO of Code for America, said the organization is proud to partner with the Garden State to make tax filing easier.

“SimpleFile is a pathway to tax benefits that can transform eligible New Jerseyans’ lives,” said Renteria. “This new tool is a continuation of Code for America’s longstanding commitment to making tax filing free and simple for households that can benefit most from state tax credits.”

The administration said the website builds on other affordability initiatives launched this year, such as the expansion of the Child Tax Credit in the FY2027 budget as well as the recent rollout of Summer EBT benefits for more than 681,000 eligible children across New Jersey.

More details on eligibility and how to claim a child tax credit is available here.

The New Jersey Division of Taxation provided a video tutorial on how to use SimpleFile: