Child Tax Credit
A tax credit for each child under 17, partly refundable for working families.
How much people receive
Maximum$2,200 per childup to $1,700 of it refundable, tax years 2025 and 2026
Source: IRS. Your amount depends on your income, household and situation, and many people receive less than the maximum.
Goes to IRS.gov. Applying is free.
Who generally qualifies
Taxpayers with children under 17 who have a valid Social Security number.
Exact income limits and rules are set by Internal Revenue Service and can change. Check the official site for current details.
How to apply
- Claim it on your federal tax return.
- Each child needs a valid Social Security number.
What to have ready
- Children's Social Security numbers
- Income records
Common questions
- Does it cost anything to apply?
- No. Applying through the official site is free. Be wary of anyone who charges a fee to apply for you.
- Do I have to pay it back?
- No. A tax break lowers what you owe. You don't pay it back.
- Who decides if I qualify?
- Internal Revenue Service makes the final decision. This page explains the program in general terms only.
- Where can I find current income limits and amounts?
- Income limits, benefit amounts and deadlines change, so check IRS.gov for the latest details.
Link checked October 22, 2026. BenefitSearch is not affiliated with Internal Revenue Service.