How the Child Tax Credit Works
The Child Tax Credit gives families up to $2,000 per qualifying child under 17, directly reducing your federal tax bill dollar for dollar. Up to $1,700 of that amount is refundable through the Additional Child Tax Credit, meaning you can receive it as a refund even if you don't owe any federal income tax — a meaningful boost for lower- and middle-income households.
The credit isn't unlimited for high earners: it starts phasing out once your income crosses $200,000 (single) or $400,000 (married filing jointly), reduced by $50 for every $1,000 over that threshold. This calculator applies the phase-out to your income and number of children to estimate your total credit and the refundable share.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Child Tax Credit is up to $2,000 per qualifying child under age 17, with up to $1,700 of that refundable as the Additional Child Tax Credit.
Yes. The credit begins phasing out at $200,000 for single filers and $400,000 for married filing jointly, reduced by $50 for each $1,000 over the threshold.
A refundable credit can reduce your tax bill below zero, meaning you can get money back even if you owe no federal income tax.