Child Tax Credit Calculator 2026
Calculate your Child Tax Credit (CTC), Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC), and check EITC eligibility for tax year 2026. Plan for up to $4,400 in tax savings.
Family Details
$2,200 credit per child
$500 credit per dependent
Phase-out begins at $200,000
Total Tax Credit 2026
$4,400
Refundable
$3,400
Non-Refundable
$1,000
Credit Breakdown
Monthly Savings
$367
If paid monthly
Phase-Out
$0
Credit reduced
EITC Eligible
NO
Limit: $55,768
๐ค AI Tax Planning Insights
Understanding 2026 Tax Credits
Maximize Your Family Tax Benefits
The Child Tax Credit (CTC) is one of the most valuable tax benefits for families, potentially worth up to $2,200 per qualifying child. Understanding how it works can save you thousands.
2026 Credit Amounts
$2,200 per child under 17 - The standard Child Tax Credit for qualifying children.
$500 per other dependent - For dependents 17+ or non-child dependents.
Up to $1,700 refundable - Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) if credit exceeds tax liability.
Phase-Out Rules
Single/HOH: $200,000 - Phase-out begins at this Modified AGI level.
Married: $400,000 - Higher threshold for joint filers.
$50 per $1,000 over - Credit reduces by $50 for every $1,000 over the threshold (rounded up).
Qualifying Child Rules
Age: Must be under 17 at end of tax year (Dec 31).
Relationship: Your child, stepchild, foster child, sibling, or descendant.
Support: Did not provide more than half of their own support.
Residency: Lived with you for more than half the year.
Common Scenarios
Single Parent, 2 Kids
Income: $60k
$4,000 CTC
Fully refundable
Married, 3 Kids
Income: $150k
$6,000 CTC
No phase-out
High Earner
Income: $250k, 1 Child
$500 CTC
$1,500 phased out
Blended Family
2 kids + 1 teen (17)
$4,500 Total
$4k CTC + $500 ODC
Why use this?
The Child Tax Credit can dramatically reduce your tax bill or increase your refund. Many families don't realize they can receive up to $1,700 as a refund even if they owe no taxes. This calculator helps you plan ahead and maximize your benefits.
How it works
We calculate your base credit ($2,200 per child under 17, $500 per other dependent), then apply income-based phase-outs. The Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) is calculated based on your earned income, allowing up to $1,700 per child to be refundable.
Related Tools
- โข Quarterly Tax Calculator - Plan estimated tax payments
- โข ACA Health Subsidy Calculator - Healthcare costs for families
- โข Paycheck Calculator - See how the credit affects your take-home pay
Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the Child Tax Credit for 2026?
The Child Tax Credit is $2,200 per child under 17 for 2026. Up to $1,700 per child can be refundable through the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) if you have earned income over $2,500. Other dependents (17+) qualify for a $500 credit.
What is the income limit for Child Tax Credit?
The Child Tax Credit begins to phase out at: $200,000 for single filers and head of household, $400,000 for married filing jointly. For every $1,000 over the threshold, your credit is reduced by $50. The credit phases out completely at higher income levels.
What is the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC)?
ACTC is the refundable portion of the Child Tax Credit. If your CTC exceeds your tax liability, up to $1,700 per child can be refunded to you. ACTC is calculated as 15% of earned income over $2,500, up to the maximum refundable amount.
Can I claim Child Tax Credit if I'm divorced?
Yes, but only the custodial parent (the parent the child lives with more than half the year) can claim the Child Tax Credit. The non-custodial parent cannot claim it, even if they pay child support. The custodial parent can release the claim to the non-custodial parent using Form 8332.
Do I qualify for Child Tax Credit if I'm a single parent?
Yes! Single parents can claim the full Child Tax Credit. The phase-out threshold is $200,000 for single filers and head of household. Single parents often also qualify for Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), which can provide additional tax savings.
What age do children qualify for Child Tax Credit?
Children must be under 17 at the end of the tax year to qualify for the $2,200 Child Tax Credit. Children 17 and older qualify for the $500 Other Dependent Credit. The child must be your dependent, related to you, and live with you for more than half the year.
Is Child Tax Credit refundable?
Partially. The Child Tax Credit itself is non-refundable (it can only reduce your tax to zero). However, the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) is refundable - up to $1,700 per child can be refunded if you have earned income over $2,500 and your credit exceeds your tax liability.
How does Child Tax Credit affect my tax return?
The Child Tax Credit directly reduces your tax liability dollar-for-dollar. If your credit exceeds your tax, the refundable portion (ACTC) is refunded to you. For example, if you owe $1,000 in tax and have a $2,200 CTC, you pay $0 tax and receive $1,200 as a refund (up to the ACTC limit).