The Child Tax Credit Amount for 2024

The federal child tax credit for 2024 is $2,000 per child under age 17. This is the same amount it has been since 2018. The credit did not increase for the 2024 tax year, and there are no announced changes to this amount for 2025 at this writing.

You may have heard the credit was higher in 2021. That was temporary. In 2021 and 2022, Congress expanded the credit to $3,600 per child under age 6 and $3,000 per child ages 6 to 16 as part of pandemic relief. That expansion ended after 2022, and the credit returned to $2,000 per child for 2023 and beyond.

The credit also changed how it was paid out. In 2021 and 2022, families received monthly payments directly from the IRS. Starting in 2023, the credit is only available when you file your tax return — you do not receive payments throughout the year.

Key Takeaways

  • The child tax credit is $2,000 per child under 17 for 2024 and has not changed since 2018.
  • The credit was temporarily higher ($3,000 to $3,600 per child) in 2021 and 2022, but that expansion ended.
  • You now claim the full credit on your tax return rather than receiving monthly payments from the IRS.
  • Income limits determine whether you receive the full $2,000 or a reduced amount, and these limits vary by filing status.

Income Limits and Phase-Out Rules

The amount of credit you receive depends on your income. If your income is below the threshold for your filing status, you get the full $2,000 per child. Once your income exceeds the threshold, the credit reduces by $50 for every $1,000 (or fraction thereof) over the limit.

For 2024, the income thresholds are $400,000 for married couples filing jointly, $200,000 for single filers and heads of household, and $200,000 for married couples filing separately. These thresholds have remained the same since 2018.

The reduction happens automatically when you file your return. If your income is $401,000 and you file as married filing jointly, you lose $50 of the credit. If your income is $402,000, you lose $100. The IRS calculates this when processing your return.

What Counts as a may have access to Child

You can claim the credit for each child who meets specific requirements. The child must be under age 17 at the end of the tax year, be your son or daughter (biological, adopted, or stepchild), and have a valid Social Security number. The child must also live with you for more than half the year and be a U.S. citizen, national, or resident alien.

The child cannot be claimed by another person as a dependent. If parents are divorced or separated, the parent with custody for the greater part of the year typically claims the credit, unless they sign a form releasing the claim to the other parent.

How to Claim the Credit on Your Tax Return

When you file your federal income tax return, you report each may have access to child on Schedule 8812 (or directly on the return form if using tax software). You will need each child's Social Security number, full legal name, and date of birth. The IRS matches this information against Social Security Administration records.

If you use tax preparation software or work with a tax professional, they will ask you to enter this information and the software will calculate the credit automatically. The credit reduces the amount of tax you owe or increases your refund.

If the IRS finds that a child's information does not match their records, they may reduce or deny the credit and send you a notice. You can respond with documentation like a birth certificate or adoption papers to correct the issue.

Refundable vs. Nonrefundable Portions

Part of the child tax credit is refundable, meaning you can receive money back even if you owe no tax. Up to $1,700 per child (for 2024) is refundable as the Additional Child Tax Credit. The remaining $300 per child is nonrefundable, so it can only reduce the tax you owe.

To receive the refundable portion, you must have earned income during the year. Self-employment income, wages, and certain other income count. If you had no earned income, you cannot claim the refundable part of the credit, though you may still be able to claim the nonrefundable $300 portion if you owe tax.

Changes That May Happen in Future Years

Congress can change the child tax credit at any time through new legislation. In late 2024 and early 2025, there were discussions about expanding the credit again, but no changes have been enacted into law. Any expansion would require a new law to pass both chambers of Congress and be signed by the President.

If you want to know about potential changes, check the IRS website (irs.gov) or speak with a tax professional closer to tax filing season. Tax laws can change year to year, and it is worth confirming the current rules before you file.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the child tax credit going back to $3,600?

Not at this writing. The expanded credit of $3,000 to $3,600 per child ended after 2022. For 2024 and 2025, the credit is $2,000 per child. Congress would need to pass new legislation to increase it again, and no such law has been enacted.

Can I get the child tax credit if I did not file a tax return last year?

You must file a tax return to claim the credit. If you had little or no income, you may still need to file to receive the refundable portion of the credit. Check the IRS website or speak with a tax professional to see if filing is required in your situation.

What if my child was born in December?

Your child must be under age 17 at the end of the tax year to may have access to. A child born in December of the tax year is still under 17 on December 31, so you can claim the credit for that year.

Do I lose the credit if my income goes over the limit by a small amount?

You do not lose the entire credit, but it reduces. For every $1,000 over the threshold, the credit drops by $50. If you are $500 over, you lose $50. If you are $1,500 over, you lose $100. The reduction is calculated automatically when you file.

Can both parents claim the child tax credit?

No. Only one person can claim the credit for each child. If parents are unmarried and share custody, the parent with custody for the greater part of the year claims the credit unless that parent signs a form allowing the other parent to claim it instead.