The Child Tax Credit (CTC) and Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) can help lower your tax bill if you have a qualifying child. In some cases, part of the credit may even be refunded to you through the Additional Child Tax Credit.
Our software automatically determines whether you qualify for either credit and calculates the correct amount based on your dependents, filing status, income, and tax liability.
How Can I View My Child Tax Credit?
After you've completed your return, you can review your Child Tax Credit and Additional Child Tax Credit by:
- Select Review/Summary from the sidebar menu.
- On the return summary, click the section labeled Tax and Credits to view the Child Tax Credit.
- Choose the Payments section to see the Additional Child Tax Credit.
The credits will be included automatically if you're eligible.
Who Is a Qualifying Child?
For Child Tax Credit purposes, a qualifying child must:
- Be claimed as your dependent.
- Have a valid Social Security Number (SSN). An ITIN does not qualify for the Child Tax Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit.
- Be under age 17 at the end of the tax year.
- Not provide more than half of their own support during the year.
- Live with you for more than half of the year.
- Not file a joint return unless the return is filed only to claim a refund of withheld or estimated taxes.
- Be your son, daughter, adopted child, stepchild, eligible foster child, grandchild, sibling, stepsibling, or a descendant of one of those relatives.
- Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or resident alien.
Child Tax Credit Comparison by Tax Year
| Tax Year | Maximum Child Tax Credit | Maximum Refundable ACTC | Income Thresholds* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $2,200 per qualifying child under age 17 | Up to $1,700 per qualifying child | MFJ: $400,000 • MFS: $200,000 • All Others: $200,000 |
| 2025 | $2,200 per qualifying child under age 17 | Up to $1,700 per qualifying child | MFJ: $400,000 • MFS: $200,000 • All Others: $200,000 |
| 2024 | $2,000 per qualifying child under age 17 | Up to $1,700 per qualifying child | MFJ: $400,000 • MFS: $200,000 • All Others: $200,000 |
| 2023 | $2,000 per qualifying child under age 17 | Up to $1,500 per qualifying child | MFJ: $400,000 • MFS: $200,000 • All Others: $200,000 |
| 2022 | $2,000 per qualifying child under age 17 | Up to $1,500 per qualifying child | MFJ: $400,000 • MFS: $200,000 • All Others: $200,000 |
*The Child Tax Credit begins to phase out when your modified adjusted gross income exceeds the applicable threshold. The credit is generally reduced by $50 for each $1,000 (or fraction of $1,000) over the limit.
Are There Any Limitations?
For tax years 2022 through 2026:
- You must have at least $2,500 of earned income to qualify for the refundable Additional Child Tax Credit.
- The Child Tax Credit is generally limited by your tax liability.
- If you can't claim the full Child Tax Credit because your tax liability is too low, you may qualify for the Additional Child Tax Credit.
- Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) may affect the amount of credit available in certain situations.
How Do I Claim the Child Tax Credit?
There's no separate calculation required. Once you enter your dependent and income information, the program automatically:
- Determines whether your child qualifies.
- Calculates the Child Tax Credit.
- Calculates any Additional Child Tax Credit you're eligible to receive.
- Includes the credits on your tax return when applicable.
What Else Should I Know?
The Child Tax Credit is one of the most valuable tax benefits available to families with children. Even if you don't owe much tax, you may still qualify for a refundable Additional Child Tax Credit depending on your income and circumstances.
To ensure the most accurate calculation, make sure each dependent's Social Security Number, relationship, residency information, and support details are entered correctly. Once your information is complete, the software will determine your eligibility and calculate the maximum credit allowed under the tax law for the year you're filing.
Additional Information
For more information covered in IRS Instructions for Schedule 8812, click here.