ΣBenefitMath

FederalSame rules in every state

Child Tax Credit Calculator

See your 2026 child tax credit, how much of it lowers your tax, and how much comes back as a refund.

This is a federal income tax tool for tax year 2026 (the return you file in early 2027). It does not change SSI, SNAP or other benefits; those are on the benefits calculator.

Your household
With a Social Security number
Older kids, relatives you support
Your income for 2026
Wages, tips and self-employment profit
Unemployment, interest, taxable pensions

Example numbers are filled in. Replace them with yours.

Common questions

How the child tax credit works

For 2026 the credit is $2,200 for each child under 17 who has a Social Security number. Other dependents, like a 17-year-old or a parent you support, get a $500 credit.

  1. The credit first lowers the federal income tax you owe.
  2. If it's more than your tax, the extra can be paid to you as the Additional Child Tax Credit: up to $1,700 per child, and no more than 15% of earned income over $2,500.
  3. It starts to shrink at $200,000 of income ($400,000 joint), by $50 for each $1,000 over.
Why isn't my whole credit refunded?

Only up to $1,700 per child is refundable, and only if you have earned income over $2,500. If you owe little tax and earn little, you may get less than the full $2,200.

My child turned 17 this year. Do I still get it?

Not the $2,200 credit. A 17- or 18-year-old dependent can qualify for the $500 credit for other dependents.

Does the credit change my SNAP or SSI?

No. Tax refunds don't count as income, and they aren't counted as savings for 12 months.

Is this the same as the child care credit?

No. The child and dependent care credit is for daycare costs while you work, and it's a separate credit.