What this calculator estimates
This calculator shows how much Child Tax Credit (CTC) you may be able to claim on your tax return for 2025. The CTC is money the federal government gives you to help with the cost of raising children.
The calculator gives you an estimate. Your actual credit depends on details from your tax return that only you and the IRS know for sure. Use this estimate to get a rough idea of what you might receive.
What you'll need to answer
The calculator asks for basic information about your household and income:
- Your filing status. This is how you file your taxes: single, married filing jointly, married filing separately, head of household, or qualifying widow(er).
- How many children under 17 you have who have a Social Security Number (SSN). These children qualify for the full credit amount.
- How many other dependents. This might include a 17-year-old child, an elderly parent, or another relative you support. These count for a smaller credit.
- Your adjusted gross income (AGI). This is your total income minus certain deductions. You can find it on your last tax return.
- Your earned income. This is money you made from working: wages from a job or profits from self-employment.
- Federal income tax before credits (optional). This is a number from your tax return. If you don't know it, you can leave it blank.
Why each piece of information matters
Your income is the biggest factor. The credit starts to get smaller once your income goes above certain limits. For single filers, the credit reduces if your AGI is over $200,000. For married couples filing jointly, it reduces over $400,000. For every $1,000 (or part of $1,000) your income exceeds these limits, the credit drops by $50.
The number of qualifying children matters most. A child under 17 with an SSN gets you up to $2,200 per child. Other dependents (like a 17-year-old or adult you support) get you $500 each.
Your earned income affects whether you can get a refund. If your credit is larger than the federal income tax you owe, the IRS may send you money back. But there's a limit: you can get back a maximum of $1,700 per child under 17. To qualify for any refund, you need to have at least $2,500 in earned income.
How to read your result
The calculator shows a dollar amount. This is your estimated Child Tax Credit for 2025.
This number could mean three things:
- You get money back. If this amount is larger than your federal income tax bill, the IRS sends you the difference. (Up to $1,700 per qualifying child, if you earn enough.)
- Your tax bill goes down. The credit reduces what you owe in federal taxes.
- You break even. The credit exactly matches your tax bill.
Key figures for 2025
- Up to $2,200 per child under 17 with an SSN
- Up to $500 per other dependent
- Credit starts to reduce if your AGI is over $200,000 (single) or $400,000 (married filing jointly)
- Maximum refund: $1,700 per qualifying child under 17
- To get any refund: you need at least $2,500 in earned income
What this estimate does not include
This calculator estimates your Child Tax Credit only. It does not calculate your full tax return. Other credits, deductions, and tax situations can change what you actually owe or receive.
If you have income that is not from wages or self-employment (like interest or rental income), your situation may be more complex than this estimate shows.
The estimate assumes you are a U.S. citizen or qualified resident alien. Eligibility rules differ for other situations.
Next steps
Use this estimate to understand roughly what credit you might claim. When tax time comes, file your actual tax return. You can file on your own, use tax software, or work with a tax professional.
Applying for the Child Tax Credit is free. Only the IRS decides whether you actually qualify based on your complete tax return.
If you are not sure whether you should file a tax return, or you want help preparing one, visit our programs page or get help.
For more information about the Child Tax Credit itself, see our glossary.