Child Tax Credit 2026
The Child Tax Credit is worth up to $2,000 per qualifying child under 17 in 2026 — separate from, and stackable with, the childcare tax credit.
How Much Is the Child Tax Credit in 2026?
The federal Child Tax Credit (CTC) is worth up to $2,000 per qualifying child under age 17. Up to $1,700 per child is refundable (the Additional Child Tax Credit), meaning you can receive it even if you owe no tax. It is claimed on your Form 1040 — most tax software handles it automatically.
This is a different benefit from the Child and Dependent Care Credit, which reimburses childcare expenses. You can claim both in the same year.
Income Limits & Phase-Out
The full credit is available until your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) exceeds these thresholds, after which it phases out by $50 for every $1,000 of income above the limit:
| Filing Status | Full Credit Up To | Fully Phased Out (1 child) |
|---|---|---|
| Married Filing Jointly | $400,000 | $440,000 |
| Single / Head of Household | $200,000 | $240,000 |
Most families receive the full $2,000/child because the phase-out only affects high earners. Amounts reflect current federal law for the 2025 tax year applied to 2026 planning; Congress periodically adjusts these figures.
Who Qualifies?
- Age: The child must be under 17 at the end of the tax year.
- Relationship & residency: Your son, daughter, stepchild, foster child, sibling, or a descendant, who lived with you more than half the year.
- Support & dependency: The child didn't provide more than half their own support and is claimed as your dependent.
- SSN: The child must have a valid Social Security number issued before the filing deadline.
Child Tax Credit vs. Childcare Credit
These two are easy to confuse but serve different purposes — and you can use them together:
| Child Tax Credit | Child & Dependent Care Credit | |
|---|---|---|
| What it's for | Having a child under 17 | Paying for childcare so you can work |
| Max value | $2,000/child | $1,050 (1 child) / $2,100 (2+) |
| Refundable? | Up to $1,700/child | No (federal) |
| Needs childcare expenses? | No | Yes |
For the full picture of childcare-related tax breaks, see our childcare tax benefits guide and the care credit explainer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the Child Tax Credit in 2026?
Up to $2,000 per qualifying child under age 17, with up to $1,700 per child refundable. The full amount is available to married couples with MAGI up to $400,000 and single filers up to $200,000, phasing out above those levels.
Is the Child Tax Credit the same as the childcare tax credit?
No. The Child Tax Credit is for having a qualifying child under 17. The Child and Dependent Care Credit reimburses part of what you pay for childcare so you can work. They are separate credits and you can claim both on the same return.
Can I get the Child Tax Credit if I owe no taxes?
Partially. Up to $1,700 per child is refundable through the Additional Child Tax Credit, so you can receive that portion as a refund even with zero tax liability, subject to an earned-income requirement.
What age does the Child Tax Credit stop?
The child must be under 17 (i.e., 16 or younger) at the end of the tax year. Children who turn 17 during the year no longer qualify for the $2,000 credit, though they may qualify for the smaller $500 Credit for Other Dependents.
See Your Childcare Costs & Tax Savings
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