What is the Child Tax Credit (CTC)?

The Child Tax Credit helps families offset the cost of raising children by reducing their federal income tax. Eligible taxpayers can claim it for each qualifying child under age 17.

👉 Source: IRS – Child Tax Credit

How much is the credit for 2025?

• Up to $2,200 per qualifying child for the 2025 tax year (filed in 2026).
• A portion may be refundable — up to $1,700 per child even if you owe no tax.

👉 Source: IRS – Schedule 8812 Instructions

Who qualifies?

• The child is under 17 at the end of the tax year.
• The child has a valid Social Security number issued by the due date of your return.
• The child is your son, daughter, stepchild, foster child, sibling, or descendant (e.g., grandchild, niece, or nephew).
• The child lived with you for more than half of the year.
• The child did not provide over half of their own support.

👉 Source: IRS – Qualifying Child Rules

What are the income limits?

• $400,000 or less for married couples filing jointly
• $200,000 or less for all other filers

The credit gradually phases out above these income thresholds.

👉 Source: IRS – CTC Eligibility

How do I claim it?

1. File a Form 1040 (U.S. Individual Income Tax Return).
2. Complete Schedule 8812 (Credits for Qualifying Children and Other Dependents) to calculate your credit.

👉 Source: IRS – Schedule 8812 Form & Instructions

When will I get my refund?

If you qualify for the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC), the IRS typically issues refunds by early March for electronically filed returns with direct deposit.

By law, refunds cannot be released before mid-February for returns claiming the ACTC or Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).

👉 Source: IRS – Refund Timing

What if my child doesn’t qualify?

You may still claim the Credit for Other Dependents (ODC) — up to $500 per dependent — for older children or other qualifying relatives.

👉 Source: IRS – Credit for Other Dependents

Quick Tips for 2025

• ✅ File a tax return even if you don’t normally file — it’s the only way to receive the credit.
• ✅ Double-check SSNs and dependent information before filing to avoid delays.
• ✅ Track your refund with the “Where’s My Refund?” tool.
• ✅ Stay alert for IRS updates — credit amounts and income limits may change in future tax years.