Child Tax Credit Calculator 2026
The child tax credit increased to $2,200 per qualifying child under 17. Enter your income and number of children to see your total credit after the phase-out.
How the child tax credit works in 2026
The One Big Beautiful Bill increased the child tax credit from $2,000 to $2,200 per qualifying child under age 17. The credit is applied directly against your tax bill, dollar for dollar. If you owe $5,000 in federal tax and have two children, the $4,400 credit reduces your bill to $600.
Up to $1,700 of the credit is refundable for 2026, meaning you can get money back even if you owe no tax. The refundable portion is calculated as 15% of your earned income above $2,500.
Child tax credit income limit for 2026
There is no hard income cutoff. Instead the credit shrinks by $50 for every $1,000 of modified AGI above your threshold. The phase-out starts at $200,000 for single filers and $400,000 for married filing jointly.
| Filing status | Phase-out starts | Credit gone (2 kids) |
|---|---|---|
| Single / HOH | $200,000 | $288,000 |
| Married Filing Jointly | $400,000 | $488,000 |
| Married Filing Separately | $200,000 | $244,000 |
Who is a qualifying child?
Your child must be under age 17 at the end of the tax year, a US citizen, and claimed as a dependent on your return. The child must have a valid Social Security number. Adopted children, stepchildren, and foster children can qualify.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the child tax credit in 2026?
$2,200 per qualifying child under age 17. Up from $2,000 in previous years. Up to $1,700 is refundable.
What is the child tax credit income limit for 2026?
Phase-out starts at $200,000 for single filers and $400,000 for married filing jointly. The credit reduces by $50 per $1,000 over the threshold. A married couple with two kids loses the credit fully at $488,000.
Is the child tax credit refundable?
Partly. Up to $1,700 per child is refundable in 2026 through the Additional Child Tax Credit. You need earned income above $2,500.
Can I get the child tax credit and the Trump Account?
Yes. They are completely separate. The child tax credit reduces your tax bill. The Trump Account is an investment account. You can claim both.
Is this the same as the child care tax credit?
No. The child care credit is a separate credit that pays you back for daycare, babysitters, and camp so you can work. It also got bigger for 2026, now up to 50% of your care costs. See the child and dependent care credit guide. You can claim both credits.