What this calculator does
The child tax credit lowers your federal income tax for each qualifying child, and part of it can be paid to you as a refund even if you owe no tax. Enter your filing status, income and children, and the calculator shows your 2026 credit, how much of it lowers your tax, how much is refundable and whether income limits reduce it.
2026 rules
- $2,200 per child under 17 at the end of 2026 who has a Social Security number valid for work. At least one parent (on a joint return, at least one spouse) also needs a Social Security number valid for work.
- Refundable part: up to $1,700 per child, called the additional child tax credit. It is 15% of earned income above $2,500, up to the part of the credit you could not use against your tax.
- $500 credit for other dependents: for dependents who do not qualify for the child tax credit, such as children aged 17 or 18, full-time students aged 19 to 23, children without an SSN, and parents or relatives you support. It is not refundable.
- Income limits: both credits go down by $50 for each $1,000, or part of $1,000, of modified adjusted gross income above $200,000 ($400,000 for married couples filing jointly).
Sources: IRS child tax credit, IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-32 and Schedule 8812.
How it is worked out
Tax = the 2026 brackets applied to income minus the standard deduction. Credit = $2,200 per child and $500 per other dependent, minus the phase-out. The credit first lowers the tax; the refundable part is the smaller of what is left, $1,700 per child and 15% of earned income above $2,500. Example: a married couple filing jointly earns $45,000 and has two children under 17. Their tax before credits is $1,280. The $4,400 credit wipes out the tax, and $3,120 of the rest is refundable.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the child tax credit for 2026?
$2,200 per qualifying child under 17, with up to $1,700 per child refundable.
Can I get the child tax credit if I owe no tax?
Partly. If you earned more than $2,500, up to $1,700 per child can be refunded as the additional child tax credit.
What if my child turns 17 during the year?
The child must be under 17 at the end of the year. A 17-year-old can count for the $500 credit for other dependents instead.
Does my child need a Social Security number?
Yes, a number valid for work issued before the due date of the return. Without it, the child can count for the $500 credit for other dependents if the other rules are met.
Is my information saved?
No. The numbers stay on this page.