Child Tax Credit (CTC): How Much & Who Qualifies
Last updated June 2026 · Educational overview, not legal or financial advice
The Child Tax Credit helps millions of families lower their taxes — and can put money back in your pocket. Here's how much it's worth, who qualifies, and how to claim it.
What is the Child Tax Credit?
The Child Tax Credit (CTC) is a federal tax credit that helps families with the cost of raising children. It reduces the federal income tax you owe for each qualifying child under 17, and a portion may be refundable — meaning you can get money back even if the credit is larger than your tax bill.
How much is it worth?
The Child Tax Credit is worth up to $2,000 per qualifying child under age 17. Up to $1,700 of that can be refundable through the Additional Child Tax Credit for the 2024 tax year, depending on your earned income. The credit begins to phase out at higher incomes (above $200,000 for single filers and $400,000 for married couples filing jointly).
Who qualifies?
To claim the credit, your child generally must be under 17 at the end of the tax year, be your dependent, have lived with you for more than half the year, and have a valid Social Security number. You also need to meet income requirements. There's also a smaller $500 Credit for Other Dependents for qualifying dependents who don't meet the child criteria, such as older children or dependent parents.
How to claim it
You claim the Child Tax Credit on your federal tax return using Schedule 8812. If you don't normally file because your income is low, you may still want to file to claim the refundable portion. Free filing options are available for many families.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the Child Tax Credit per child?
Up to $2,000 per qualifying child under age 17. For the 2024 tax year, up to $1,700 of that can be refundable through the Additional Child Tax Credit, depending on your earned income.
What age qualifies for the Child Tax Credit?
A child must be under 17 at the end of the tax year, be your dependent with a valid Social Security number, and have lived with you for more than half the year.
Is the Child Tax Credit refundable?
Partially. Up to $1,700 per child can be refundable for the 2024 tax year, meaning you can receive it as a refund even if you owe little or no tax.
Can I claim a credit for older dependents?
Yes. The separate $500 Credit for Other Dependents may apply to dependents who don't qualify for the Child Tax Credit, such as children 17 or older or dependent relatives.
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