Child Tax Credit Calculator (2026)

For 2026 the child tax credit is $2,200 for each child under 17. Part of it can come back to you as a refund even if you owe no tax. Enter your family and income to see how much you get and how much is refundable.

Filing statusChildren under 17Other dependents (17+ or relatives)Household income, MAGI ($)Earned income from work ($)

Total benefit from the credit

Full credit before phase-out

Phase-out reduction

Your credit

Federal income tax before credit

Lowers your tax by

Refundable part (comes back as refund)

2026 child tax credit at a glance

Credit per child under 17$2,200

Refundable part per childUp to $1,700

Refundable part formula15% of earned income over $2,500

Credit for other dependents$500 (not refundable)

Phase-out starts$200,000 single / $400,000 married

Phase-out speed$50 less per $1,000 over

Examples

Family	Total benefit	Of which refund
Single parent, 1 child, $25,000 income	$2,200	$1,310
Married, 2 children, $60,000 income	$4,400	$1,560
Married, 3 children, $120,000 income	$6,600	$0
Married, 2 children, $430,000 income (phase-out)	$2,900	$0
Single parent, 1 child, $12,000 income	$1,425	$1,425

Lower-income families often get part of the credit as a refund, but it is limited to 15% of earned income above $2,500, so very low earnings mean a smaller credit.

Who qualifies

The child is under 17 on December 31, is your son, daughter, stepchild, foster child, sibling or a descendant of one, and lived with you more than half the year.
The child has a Social Security number. Under the 2025 law, at least one parent also needs a Social Security number.
You provided at least half of the child's support.
Children 17 and older, and other relatives you support, can qualify for the $500 credit for other dependents.

How this calculator works

It adds $2,200 per child and $500 per other dependent, then subtracts $50 for each $1,000 (or part of $1,000) of income over $200,000, or $400,000 if married filing jointly. The credit first lowers your 2026 federal income tax, estimated with the standard deduction. Any leftover child credit can be refunded up to $1,700 per child or 15% of earned income above $2,500, whichever is less.

FAQ

How much is the child tax credit in 2026?

$2,200 per qualifying child under 17, with up to $1,700 per child refundable.

Will I get it if I owe no tax?

You can get the refundable part, up to $1,700 per child, if you have earned income above $2,500.

Does my 17-year-old qualify?

Not for the child tax credit, but you may get the $500 credit for other dependents.

When does the credit phase out?

Above $200,000 of income for single filers and $400,000 for married couples filing jointly.

Do I need a Social Security number?

Yes. The child needs one, and under the 2025 law at least one parent must have one too.

Rules and rates last checked: October 2026. This is an estimate for general information only, not financial, tax or legal advice. Check IRS.gov or a tax professional before you file.

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