Child Tax Credit 2026

The Child Tax Credit is a major tax benefit for families with qualifying children under age 17.

Credit Amount

$2,000 per qualifying child. Up to $1,700 refundable (2026 estimate). Phaseout begins at $200,000 (single) / $400,000 (married).

Qualifying Child

Under 17 at year end. U.S. citizen or resident alien. Lived with taxpayer more than half the year. Has valid SSN.

Refundable Portion

Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC). Maximum refund: $1,700 per child. Earned income threshold: $2,500. Phase-in rate: 15% of earned income above $2,500.

Income Phaseout

$50 per $1,000 above threshold. At $44,000 AGI (single): credit reduced by $2,000. At $64,000: fully phased out.

How to Claim

File Form 1040. Attach Schedule 8812. Provide child's SSN. EITC recipients get priority processing.

Comparison with EITC

CTC for all families. EITC for low-moderate income. Both can be claimed together.