For families

Each child can knock money straight off your tax bill.

The Child Tax Credit is one of the most valuable breaks for parents. It reduces your tax dollar for dollar, not just your income.

Watch the quick version

See how it works through one simple example.

Is this you?

You have a qualifying child under the age cutoff.
Income limits apply, but the credit reaches well into middle incomes.

Here is the idea, in plain words

A deduction lowers your income. A credit lowers your tax directly, which is more powerful.

Part of the credit can come back as a refund even if you owe little.

You claim it for each qualifying child on your return.

What this could be worth

Worth a meaningful per-child credit, taken straight off your tax. Part may be refundable.
  • 1Confirm each child meets the age, relationship, and residency tests.
  • 2Check your income against the phase-out range.
  • 3Claim the credit for every qualifying child on your return.

Educational guidance, not tax advice. We confirm every figure and your eligibility before you act.

Ready?

See your real Child Tax Credit

Connect your details and we confirm eligibility and the exact credit you can claim.

Connect my account
🔒 Read-only access ✓ We never move your money 🛡 Secured by Plaid

Free to check. Nothing happens until you say so.

What to watch out for

The honest version.

  • A child must meet age, relationship, and residency tests.
  • The credit phases out at higher incomes.
  • A valid Social Security number is generally required for each child.

Common questions

How much is it?

A set amount per qualifying child. We confirm the current figure for you.

Is it refundable?

Part of it can be, so you may get money back even with a small tax bill.

What age counts?

Children under the credit's age cutoff at year end. We check this.

← Back to all tax guides
See your number

Find out what you're overpaying, free

Connect an account or upload last year's return. No card to get your number.

Find my savings