Child Tax Credit Calculator (US)
Estimate your US Child Tax Credit for 2024-2025 based on income, filing status, and qualifying children under 17. Free IRS child tax credit estimator with phaseout and refund breakdown.
About This Calculator
The Child Tax Credit (CTC) Calculator helps US families estimate their federal tax credit for qualifying children under age 17. Based on your annual income, filing status, and number of dependents, it calculates your total credit amount, including the refundable Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) and any phaseout reduction. The calculator is completely free and works for the 2024 and 2025 tax years.
For the 2024 tax year, the Child Tax Credit provides up to $2,000 per qualifying child. Up to $1,700 per child is refundable through the ACTC if your credit exceeds your tax liability. The credit begins to phase out when your adjusted gross income exceeds $200,000 ($400,000 for married couples filing jointly), reducing by $50 for every $1,000 (or fraction thereof) over the threshold. Children must be under age 17 at the end of the tax year and have a valid Social Security number.
To qualify, your child must be your dependent, live with you for more than half the year, be a US citizen or resident alien, and not provide more than half of their own support. Eligible children include sons, daughters, stepchildren, foster children, siblings, step-siblings, half-siblings, and their descendants. This calculator focuses on the US Child Tax Credit rules as administered by the IRS.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Child Tax Credit for 2024-2025?
The Child Tax Credit (CTC) is a US federal tax credit of up to $2,000 per qualifying child under age 17. The credit begins to phase out when your adjusted gross income exceeds $200,000 ($400,000 for married filing jointly), reducing by $50 for each $1,000 above the threshold. Up to $1,700 per child is refundable through the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC).
What are the requirements to claim the Child Tax Credit?
To claim the Child Tax Credit your child must be under age 17 at the end of the tax year, have a valid Social Security number, be claimed as your dependent on your tax return, be your son daughter stepchild foster child brother sister stepbrother stepsister half-sibling or a descendant of any of these, live with you for more than half the year, and not provide more than half of their own financial support.
Is the Child Tax Credit refundable?
Yes, up to $1,700 per qualifying child is refundable as of 2024 through the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC). If your tax liability is less than the credit amount, the refundable portion can be paid to you as a tax refund. You must have earned income of at least $2,500 to qualify for the refundable portion.
How does the Child Tax Credit phaseout work?
The Child Tax Credit begins to phase out when your adjusted gross income exceeds $200,000 for single and head of household filers, or $400,000 for married couples filing jointly. The credit is reduced by $50 for each $1,000 or fraction thereof that your income exceeds the threshold. For example at $205,000 single income the reduction is $300 (6 phases × $50).
Can I claim the Child Tax Credit if my child was born during the tax year?
Yes, you can claim the full Child Tax Credit for a child born at any point during the tax year, even if they were born on December 31. The child must have a valid Social Security number and meet all other qualifying child requirements including being under age 17 at the end of the tax year.
What is the difference between Child Tax Credit and Child and Dependent Care Credit?
The Child Tax Credit (CTC) provides up to $2,000 per qualifying child under 17 and is based on your income and number of children. The Child and Dependent Care Credit helps cover expenses for childcare or dependent care that allows you to work or look for work, and is based on actual qualifying expenses up to $3,000 for one child or $6,000 for two or more. They are separate credits and you may qualify for both.
Do I need to file a tax return to claim the Child Tax Credit?
Yes, you must file a federal tax return to claim the Child Tax Credit even if your income is below the filing threshold. The credit is claimed on Form 1040 and Schedule 8812. For the refundable Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) you must have earned income of at least $2,500.
How do I claim the Child Tax Credit on my tax return?
To claim the Child Tax Credit complete Schedule 8812 (Additional Child Tax Credit) and attach it to your Form 1040 or 1040-SR. You will need each child's Social Security number and proof of relationship residency and age. The credit is calculated on Schedule 8812 and entered on Line 19 of Form 1040.