Child Tax Credit Calculator
Calculate your Child Tax Credit based on income, filing status, and qualifying children.
Credit Breakdown
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This calculator estimates your Child Tax Credit (CTC) and Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) for the 2026 or 2025 tax year. Here is how to use it:
- Select the tax year and filing status. Married Filing Jointly has a higher phase-out threshold ($400,000) than Single or Head of Household ($200,000).
- Enter qualifying children. A qualifying child must be under 17 at the end of the tax year, a US citizen with an SSN, and meet relationship, residency, and support tests.
- Enter other dependents. Dependents who are 17 or older, or who do not have an SSN, may qualify for the $500 Other Dependent Credit instead.
- Enter your AGI. The credit begins to phase out at $200,000 (single/HOH) or $400,000 (married filing jointly), reducing $50 for every $1,000 over the threshold.
- Enter earned income if different from AGI. The refundable Additional Child Tax Credit requires earned income above $2,500 and equals 15% of earned income above that floor, up to $1,700 per child.
About the Child Tax Credit
The Child Tax Credit provides up to $2,000 per qualifying child under age 17. It consists of two parts: a non-refundable portion that reduces your tax liability dollar-for-dollar, and a refundable portion (the Additional Child Tax Credit, or ACTC) of up to $1,700 per child that you can receive even if you owe no tax.
The credit phases out at higher incomes: $50 reduction for every $1,000 of AGI above $200,000 (single/HOH) or $400,000 (married filing jointly). A family of 2 children with income well below the threshold receives the full $4,000 credit.
Why This Matters
The Child Tax Credit is one of the largest tax benefits for families with children. For many moderate-income families, the refundable portion (ACTC) is especially valuable because it provides a cash refund even when no income tax is owed. Understanding whether you qualify for the full credit or a reduced amount due to phase-out helps with tax planning and budgeting.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the Child Tax Credit for 2026?
The Child Tax Credit for 2026 is $2,000 per qualifying child under age 17. Up to $1,700 of this is refundable through the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC). The credit begins to phase out at $200,000 AGI for single filers and $400,000 for married filing jointly.
What is the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC)?
The ACTC is the refundable portion of the Child Tax Credit. If your CTC exceeds your tax liability, you may receive up to $1,700 per child as a refund. To qualify, you need earned income above $2,500. The refundable amount equals 15% of earned income above $2,500, capped at $1,700 per child.
At what income does the Child Tax Credit phase out?
The CTC begins to phase out at $200,000 AGI for Single and Head of Household filers, and $400,000 for Married Filing Jointly. The credit is reduced by $50 for every $1,000 of income above the threshold. For a family with 2 children ($4,000 total credit), the credit is fully phased out at $280,000 (single) or $480,000 (married).
Can I claim both the CTC and the EITC?
Yes, the Child Tax Credit and the Earned Income Tax Credit are separate credits, and eligible families can claim both. The EITC has much lower income limits and phases out around $47,000-$67,000 depending on filing status and children. Many low and moderate-income families benefit from claiming both credits together.