Schedule 8812 is used to calculate the Child Tax Credit (CTC), Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC), and Credit for Other Dependents (ODC).
What is the Child Tax Credit/Additional Child Tax Credit?
The Child Tax Credit is a non-refundable credit of up to $2,000 which may reduce your tax liability for each qualifying child listed on your return. Of this $2,000, $1,700 may qualify as a refundable credit (Additional Child Tax credit).
Who is considered a Qualifying Child for the Child Tax Credit/Additional Child Tax Credit?
A qualifying child for purposes of the child tax credit is a child who meets all the following:
- Be under 17 at the end of the tax year.
- Be your son, daughter, stepchild, eligible foster child, brother, sister, stepbrother, stepsister, half brother, half-sister, or a descendant of one of these (for example, a grandchild, niece, or nephew).
- Not provide more than half of their own support for the tax year.
- Have lived with you for more than half the tax year.
- Be claimed as a dependent on your return.
- Not file a joint return for the year (or filed the joint return only to claim a refund of taxes withheld or estimated taxes).
- Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national or a U.S. resident alien.
- Must have a Social Security Number
Is there an income limit for the Child Tax Credit/Additional Child Tax Credit?
Yes, the credit will begin to decrease if your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) exceeds $200,000 as a single taxpayer, or $400,000 for married taxpayers filing jointly.
Additional information
The Additional Child Tax Credit cannot be claimed if you file Form 2555 with your return.
What is the Credit for Other Dependents?
The Credit for Other Dependents is a non-refundable tax credit available to taxpayers for each of their qualifying dependents who can't be claimed for the Child Tax Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit. The Credit for Other Dependents can be claimed for up to $500 per other dependent.
Who is considered a Qualifying Dependent for the Credit for Other Dependents?
A qualifying dependent for ODC must:
- Be a dependent claimed on your return.
- Be a dependent who can't be claimed for the CTC/ACTC.
- Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or U.S. resident alien.
- Have an SSN, ITIN, or ATIN that was issued before the due date of the return
Is there an income limit for the Credit for Other Dependents?
Yes, the credit will begin to decrease if your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) exceeds $200,000 as a single taxpayer, or $400,000 for married taxpayers filing jointly.
How do I claim the CTC/ACTC/ODC?
Once you have entered your dependents, if you qualify for any of the credits our software will automatically calculate it for you.