Governor Mikie Sherrill on Friday announced the launch of SimpleFile, a free, mobile-friendly website designed to help thousands of eligible lower-income New Jersey families quickly and easily claim the state’s refundable Child Tax Credit.

The new platform, available at https://SimpleFile.NJ.gov, was developed through a partnership between the New Jersey Innovation Authority, the New Jersey Department of the Treasury’s Division of Taxation, and Code for America. The online tool allows eligible families to complete the application in approximately 15 minutes and is available in both English and Spanish.

SimpleFile is intended for qualifying residents who had a child age five or younger in 2025 and may not normally file a tax return, helping ensure they receive benefits they are entitled to claim. Families can learn more and access the service at https://SimpleFile.NJ.gov.

The announcement comes as New Jersey continues expanding its Child Tax Credit program. Under the FY2027 state budget, the maximum credit will increase from up to $1,000 this year to up to $1,250 next year. State officials say more than 200,000 families already receive the credit annually, while thousands of additional eligible households have yet to apply.

Governor Sherrill said the initiative is aimed at making government services more accessible while helping families afford essential expenses such as childcare, groceries, clothing, and other household needs. State officials also noted that the website is designed to simplify the process for families who may otherwise miss out on the benefit because they are not required to file taxes.

According to the Governor’s Office, the launch follows other affordability initiatives, including the recent distribution of Summer EBT benefits to more than 681,000 eligible New Jersey children.

Eligible New Jersey residents can check whether they qualify and submit an application through the state’s new portal at https://SimpleFile.NJ.gov or by visiting the eligibility page here: https://t.e2ma.net/click/zo7j9n/37kyd6ai/zkkb4eb.