A Windfall for Families
There’s some good news for families across the United States: the Child Tax Credit (CTC) is back this tax season, and it’s putting real money into parents’ pockets. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) reports that families can receive up to $2,200 per child with a maximum of $1,700 refundable—cash in your bank account if you qualify.
For millions of families, this isn’t just a tax deduction—a lifeline is more like it—to cover everyday costs like groceries, school supplies, and doctors’ bills. Let’s dive into who qualifies, how much you can get, and what you need to do to receive it.
What Is a Qualifying Child?
Not every child qualifies for the Child Tax Credit. To make sure your family gets the benefit, here are the IRS rules for a qualifying child:
- The child must be under 17 years old at the end of 2025.
- The child must be listed as a dependent on your tax return.
- The child must be a U.S. citizen, national, or resident.
- The child needs to have a valid Social Security number.
If your child fits all of these requirements, you’re halfway to getting your refund.
How much money can you get?
Here’s where it gets good:
- The overall credit per child is a maximum of $2,200.
- A maximum of $1,700 of the credit is refundable. This means you can actually get money in your bank account, even if you don’t owe taxes.
- The refundable portion is particularly valuable to lower-income families. If you’re eligible, the IRS can pay you a maximum of $1,700 per child in cash—even if your tax liability is zero.
Income limits you need to know
Naturally, the IRS imposes income limits to ensure the credit benefits the families that need it the most. The Child Tax Credit starts phasing out if your income exceeds:
- The original text has been split into two paragraphs for clarity.
- $200,000 for single filers
- $400,000 for joint filers who are married
If you earn less than those amounts, you can likely claim the full credit. But if you earn more, your benefit will gradually phase out until it disappears.
Looking ahead to 2026
There’s more good news for families who plan in advance. Starting with the 2026 tax year, the Child Tax Credit will be indexed to inflation. That means the amount you qualify for will go up as the cost of living rises.
The change will prevent families from losing buying power as prices for food, shelter, and other essentials keep rising.
Why the credit matters
The Child Tax Credit has become one of the most important financial supports for families in America. It provides relief at a time when the cost of raising kids feels heavier than ever.
Whether you’re using it for rent, school clothes, or a savings account for your child’s future, the credit makes it easier to stretch your paycheck further.
How to claim the child tax credit
It’s simple to claim the Child Tax Credit:
- File your 2025 federal tax return.
- Make sure your child has a valid Social Security number.
- Report your dependent correctly on your return.
- The IRS will automatically provide you with the credit if you qualify.
You won’t have to file an additional form, but you’ll need to file a tax return—even if you don’t owe taxes.
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Key points
- Families can get up to $2,200 per child, with $1,700 refundable.
- To be eligible, children should be 17 or under, dependents, and U.S. citizens/residents with a Social Security number.
- Income limits: $200,000 (single) or $400,000 (joint filers) before the credit begins to phase out.
- Refundable credit translates to actual money returned to your account—even if you do not owe any taxes.
- Beginning 2026, the credit will automatically index for inflation.
