Child Tax Credit 2026: How Much You Get and How to Claim It
The Child Tax Credit is one of the most valuable benefits available to families with kids — and unlike most benefits, you claim it right on your tax return. For 2026, it's worth up to $2,200 per qualifying child. A big share of that is refundable, meaning you can get money back even if you owe no income tax. But you have to file a return to get it, and every year families who qualify leave the credit on the table by not filing.
How Much the Credit Is Worth in 2026
For the 2026 tax year, the Child Tax Credit is worth up to $2,200 per qualifying child under age 17. This reflects the changes made under the 2025 tax law (often referred to as the OBBBA). The credit first reduces any income tax you owe dollar-for-dollar; if the credit is larger than your tax bill, a portion is refundable to you as cash through the Additional Child Tax Credit.
Who Counts as a Qualifying Child
To claim the credit for a child, they generally must be under 17 at the end of the tax year, be your son, daughter, stepchild, foster child, sibling, or a descendant of any of them (like a grandchild), have lived with you for more than half the year, not have provided more than half of their own support, and be claimed as your dependent. The child must have a valid Social Security number. You'll also need to meet the identification requirements on your return.
The Refundable Part: Money Back Even With No Tax Due
This is the piece families most often miss. Even if you earned too little to owe federal income tax, you can still receive a substantial refund through the refundable portion of the credit, as long as you had earned income above the threshold set by the IRS. That's why filing matters even when you're not required to: skipping your return means skipping the refund.
Income Limits and Phase-Outs
The full credit is available to most working and middle-income families. It begins to phase out at higher incomes — generally starting at $200,000 for single filers and $400,000 for married couples filing jointly — reduced by $50 for every $1,000 of income above those thresholds. Most families with children fall well under these limits and qualify for the full amount per child.
How to Claim It
Claim the credit on your federal Form 1040 using Schedule 8812, which calculates both the credit and any refundable portion. Tax software walks you through it automatically, and the IRS Free File program lets many families file at no cost. If your income is low enough, a free VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) site can prepare your return for you. File even if you don't think you owe anything — the credit is the reason to file.
Bottom Line
If you have a child under 17 with a Social Security number, the Child Tax Credit is likely worth up to $2,200 to your family in 2026 — and a large part of it can come back as a refund even if you owe no tax. The only way to lose it is to not file. Use free filing tools or a VITA site, and don't skip your return just because your income is low.
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