Families with children in America can get support to raise their dependent children through the Child Tax Credit. With the tax season coming in a few months, if you need such support, you can learn everything about it, eligibility, credit amount, claiming process, and others here.
The Child Tax Credit offers financial relief to families with dependent children, especially low-and moderate-income families. The credit promotes the well-being of children, supports their education, and promotes good health.
The One Big Beautiful Act passage has increased the Child Tax Credit, though the credit was adjusted in the annual inflation adjustment. The credit has a refundable portion as well; you get a refund even if you don’t owe any tax.
What will be the Child Tax Credit for tax year 2025?
The taxpayers who are responsible for children under 17 and meet other conditions can claim the child tax credit. The CTC offsets the amount from your tax bill for each qualifying child you claim this credit for.
The non-refundable part of the credit will reduce your tax liability; however, if you owe tax less than the credit, you won’t get the full amount of the credit, unless you qualify for the refundable part of the credit, that is, the additional child tax credit.
Previously, the Child tax credit for the 2024 tax year was $2000; however, now, thanks to the OBBA law passed in July 2025, it has increased to $2200 2025 tax year. The refundable portion of the CTC was the same as mentioned in the inflation adjustment for the 2025 tax year, that is, $1700.
Who can claim the Child Tax Credit 2026?
If you want to know if you can claim the child tax credit for tax year 2025, you can check the eligibility criteria below for the qualifying child:
- The child’s age should be under 17 by the end of the tax year, and the child should be related to you as your son, daughter, eligible foster child, stepchild, brother, sister, step-sister/ brother, halfbrother/sister, or descendant of your family.
- The child does not support themselves and should not be claimed as dependent on someone else’s tax return.
- The child must be living with you for more than half a year and should be claimed as a dependent on your tax return.
- The child should be a US citizen, resident alien, or US national and have a valid Social Security number.
What will be the income threshold for the Child Tax Credit?
The IRS has set the income limit for the Child Tax Credit, and if you have a qualifying child and wish to claim the tax credit, you must meet the income limit. You qualify for the Child Tax Credit if you meet the following income criteria:
| Filing Status | Income Limit |
| Married Filing jointly | $400,000 or below |
| All other filing statuses | $200,000 or below |
If your income exceeds the threshold, you go on to lose your credit or receive partial credit. According to the CTC guidelines, for each $1000 earned above the limit, you will lose $50 from the credit.
The credit will be reduced for the income earned above the limit until it is totally phased out. The partial credit or the additional credit happens for two reasons: first, your income is too high to receive the credit, or you cannot claim the non-refundable part of the credit.
How can you claim the Child Tax Credit?
If you meet the income limit and have a qualifying child for the Child Tax Credit, you can claim it in the following ways:
- You must file the income tax return for the tax year 2025 and enter the child and other dependents on your Form 1040, and complete the Schedule 8812 with the tax return.
- If you are planning to file the tax return electronically, you can find the credit on the e-file and claim the credit while entering valid details.
Once you claim the CTC, and if you qualify for the refundable credit, you will receive the refund with your tax refund. But remember, the ACTC delays your tax refund till 15 February due to the PATH Act obligation, so be prepared for it.
The 2026 tax season will begin in January 2026, so if you are planning to claim such a credit, you should start your preparation and check whether you qualify for it or not.
Disclaimer: Child Tax Credit 2026 details are for informational purposes only. Actual eligibility and amounts are determined by the IRS.
