Child Tax Credit in 2026: How Much Money Families Can Get Back at Tax Time
- Author: Wilbert Raynor
- Posted: 2026-02-04
With tax filing season approaching, families across the U.S. are looking closely at the Child Tax Credit (CTC) and how much it could boost their 2026 tax refund.
Thanks to permanent changes in federal tax law, the credit is now larger and more predictable for eligible households.
Read: Florida Joins Education Freedom Tax Credit in 2027: What It Means
How the Child Tax Credit Works
The Child Tax Credit reduces your federal tax bill dollar for dollar. If the credit exceeds the amount of tax you owe, a portion of it can be refunded directly to you as part of your tax return.
2026 Child Tax Credit Amount
For the 2026 tax year, eligible families can claim:
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Up to $2,200 per qualifying child
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Up to $1,700 refundable per child
This means a household with two eligible children may receive as much as $4,400, depending on income and tax liability.
Income Limits That Affect the Credit
Families must stay below these income thresholds to receive the full benefit:
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$200,000 for single filers or heads of household
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$400,000 for married couples filing jointly
Above these levels, the credit gradually decreases.
Who Qualifies for the Child Tax Credit?
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Be 16 years old or younger at the end of the tax year
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Have a valid Social Security number
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Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident
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Live with the taxpayer for more than six months
At least one parent or guardian must have a Social Security number, even if the other files with an ITIN.
Rules That Apply in 2026
Several important rules now apply permanently:
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The $2,200 credit amount is locked in
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The refundable portion ($1,700) adjusts with inflation
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A minimum of $2,500 in earned income is required to receive the refundable portion
Very low-income households may qualify for only part of the credit.
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