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Child Tax Credit

Updated: 12/27/2012
Article ID: GEN12040

The Child Tax Credit can reduce your Federal tax bill by up to $1,000 per qualifying child. Unlike a tax deduction, a tax credit reduces your tax bill dollar-for-dollar.

In order to qualify for the Child Tax Credit, you must have a child that meets all of the following requirements. He or she must:

  • Be your dependent son, daughter, stepchild, foster child, brother, sister, stepbrother, stepsister or a descendant of any of them, and
  • Be claimed as a dependent on your tax return, and
  • Be under the age of 17 at the end of the year, and
  • Not have provided more than half of their own support, and
  • Live with you for more than half the year, and
  • Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or U.S resident alien

Still have questions?

Can I claim this credit if my child turned 17 in December?

Your child must be under the age of 17 for the entire year to qualify for the Child Tax Credit.

Can I claim the Child Tax Credit if my filing status is married filing separately?

The Child Tax Credit is available regardless of your filing status.

Why did I get less than the maximum $1,000 credit?

Although the maximum Child Tax Credit is $1,000, you may not qualify for this amount.

Your credit will be reduced if your modified adjusted gross income is more than:

  • $110,000 if Married Filing Jointly
  • $75,000 if Single, Head of Household or Qualifying Widow(er)
  • $55,000 if Married Filing Separately

Additionally, the Child Tax Credit is limited to your tax liability and can’t reduce your tax below zero. In other words, the credit you receive cannot be greater than the tax you owe.

What is the Additional Child Tax Credit?

If your Child Tax Credit is limited by your tax liability you may qualify for the Additional Child Tax Credit. The Additional Child Tax Credit is the refundable portion of the Child Tax Credit.

TurboTax will automatically calculate the Additional Child Tax Credit if you qualify.

Why does my child not qualify for the child tax credit?

We automatically calculate the child tax credit for you, and let you know if your child doesn't qualify. The most common reasons for not qualifying include:

  • Your child turned age 17 during the tax year.
  • Your child cannot be claimed as your dependent.
  • You did not supply a Social Security or tax identification number.
  • Your income is too high. The credit is reduced or even eliminated for higher income taxpayers.

Click here for more information about the Child Tax Credit or refer to IRS Publication 972: Child Tax Credit.

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