Back to Articles
Personal Tax5 min readMar 17, 2026
The Child Tax Credit Explained
Learn everything about the Child Tax Credit, eligibility requirements, and how to claim the maximum benefit for your family.
The Child Tax Credit Explained
What Is the Child Tax Credit?
The Child Tax Credit (CTC) provides up to $2,000 per qualifying child under age 17.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify, the child must:
- Be under age 17 at end of the tax year
- Be your son, daughter, stepchild, foster child, sibling, or descendant
- Have a valid Social Security number
- Not provide more than half of their own support
- Have lived with you for more than half the year
Income Phase-Out
- Begins phasing out at $200,000 for single filers
- Begins phasing out at $400,000 for married filing jointly
- Reduces by $50 for every $1,000 over the threshold
Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC)
Up to $1,700 of the CTC is refundable, meaning you can receive it even if you owe no taxes.
Other Child-Related Credits
- Child and Dependent Care Credit: For daycare expenses
- Earned Income Tax Credit: Additional benefit for lower-income families
Need help maximizing your family tax benefits? Our experts can identify every credit you qualify for.