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Who Qualifies for the Child Tax Credit?

The Child Tax Credit gives you money back on your taxes for each qualifying child. You may qualify if you have a child under age 17 and earn below certain income limits.

Program rules & income limits
  • Published Sep 21, 2026
  • Reviewed Sep 21, 2026
  • 2 min read
A father reading a picture book to his two young children

Quick answer: You may qualify for the Child Tax Credit if you have a child under age 17 and your income is below [VERIFY: 2026 income limit amounts]. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) decides if you qualify.

What is the Child Tax Credit?

The Child Tax Credit (CTC) is money the federal government gives you through your taxes. You get the credit for each child who meets the requirements. This is a tax credit, which means it reduces the taxes you owe or increases your tax refund.

Who can claim the Child Tax Credit?

To claim the Child Tax Credit, you must:

  • Have a child under age 17
  • Be the child's parent, adoptive parent, or legal guardian
  • Have the child live with you for more than half the year
  • Claim the child as a dependent on your tax return
  • Have the child be a U.S. citizen, national, or resident alien
  • File a tax return

Income limits for the Child Tax Credit

You may qualify if your income is below certain amounts. The income limits change each year.

[VERIFY: 2026 Child Tax Credit income limits by filing status]

Your income includes wages, self-employment income, and other types of earnings. The IRS uses your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) to determine if you qualify.

How much is the Child Tax Credit?

[VERIFY: 2026 Child Tax Credit amount per child and maximum]

Can you get the money before filing taxes?

Some families received monthly payments of the Child Tax Credit in the past. [VERIFY: current status of advance Child Tax Credit payments for 2026]

How do you claim the Child Tax Credit?

You claim the Child Tax Credit when you file your federal income tax return. You will need:

  • Your child's full name
  • Your child's Social Security number
  • Proof that your child lived with you for more than half the year
  • Your income information

You can file your taxes yourself, use tax software, or get help from a tax professional. Filing is free if you qualify for free filing help.

What if you did not claim the Child Tax Credit?

If you did not claim the Child Tax Credit in past years and you qualify, you may be able to amend your tax return. You can usually amend a return for the past three years. Contact the IRS or a tax professional for help.

Next steps

To learn more, visit the IRS website about the Child Tax Credit. You can also use our screener tool to see what benefits you may qualify for.

Frequently asked questions

What age children qualify for the Child Tax Credit?

Children must be under age 17 at the end of the tax year to qualify.

Do stepchildren or foster children qualify?

Yes. A stepchild or foster child can qualify if you are their legal guardian or parent, they live with you for more than half the year, and they are your dependent.

What if my child has no Social Security number?

Your child must have a valid Social Security number to claim the Child Tax Credit. You can apply for a Social Security number through the Social Security Administration.

Can unmarried parents both claim the Child Tax Credit?

No. Only one parent can claim the Child Tax Credit for each child on their tax return. Usually, the parent who had the child live with them for more of the year claims the credit.

What if my income is above the income limit?

If your income is above the income limit, you may not qualify for the full Child Tax Credit. The credit begins to reduce for higher earners.

Do I need to file a tax return to get the Child Tax Credit?

Yes. You must file a federal income tax return to claim the Child Tax Credit, even if you do not owe taxes.

Programs in this article

Child Tax CreditFederal · Internal Revenue ServiceThe Child Tax Credit is a federal tax credit that may lower the tax you owe if you are raising qualifying children.

Official sources

  1. IRS: Child Tax Credit

Last reviewed Sep 21, 2026. Found an error? Tell us.

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Program rules & income limits

Researched from official agency sources and checked against our editorial policy.

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