Child Tax Credit Calculator 2026

2026

Calculate your Child Tax Credit and Other Dependent Credit. See phase-out thresholds and net credit amount for your income.

$

Total Tax Credit

$4,400.00

Phase-Out Reduction

$0.00

Per Child Amount

$2,200.00

Child Tax Credit Breakdown

Children under 17 (2 x $2,200.00)$4,400.00
Total Credit (before phase-out)$4,400.00
Phase-out threshold (Married)$400,000.00
Income below phase-out thresholdNo reduction
Net Credit$4,400.00
Refundable portion (up to $1,700/child)$3,400.00
Non-refundable portion$1,000.00

Use the Child Tax Credit Calculator 2026 above to calculate your results. Enter your values and see instant results — all calculations run in your browser.

Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, financial, or legal advice. Results are estimates based on the information you provide and current rates. Always consult a qualified tax professional or financial advisor for advice specific to your situation.

How It Works

Our 2026 Child Tax Credit Calculator helps you estimate your potential credit amount for the 2026 tax year, incorporating the latest proposed thresholds and credit values. Understand how your income impacts the maximum $2,000 per qualifying child and $500 per other dependent credits, and precisely how much you might receive to boost your family's financial well-being.

The calculator first determines your maximum potential credit based on the number of qualifying children and other dependents. This value is then reduced by 5% of your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) exceeding the phase-out thresholds: $400,000 for married filing jointly and $200,000 for all other filers. The non-refundable portion is capped by your tax liability, while the refundable portion (Additional Child Tax Credit) is limited to 15% of earned income above $2,500, up to $1,600 per child.

Remember, the Child Tax Credit is non-refundable up to your tax liability, and any remaining credit may be refundable as the Additional Child Tax Credit. A common mistake is overlooking the earned income requirement for the refundable portion; ensure your earned income exceeds $2,500 for each child you claim the refundable credit for. Also, these figures are based on current proposals for 2026 and are subject to legislative changes.

Example: Married Couple with Two Children and One Dependent

  1. 1 Input: Married Filing Jointly, AGI = $350,000, Two Qualifying Children, One Other Dependent. Earned Income = $80,000. Tax Liability = $20,000.
  2. 2 Calculation: Maximum CTC (2 children) = $4,000. Maximum ODC (1 dependent) = $500. Total Potential Credit = $4,500. AGI ($350,000) is below the MFJ phase-out threshold ($400,000), so no phase-out applies. Non-refundable portion is $4,500 (capped by tax liability of $20,000). No refundable portion needed as the full credit is non-refundable.
  3. 3 Intermediate Result: Gross Credit = $4,500. Phase-out = $0. Net Credit Before Refundability Check = $4,500.
  4. 4 Final Result: Estimated Net Child Tax Credit and Other Dependent Credit for 2026 = $4,500. This entire amount directly reduces their tax liability.

Source: IRS — Forms, Instructions & Publications · Last updated: April 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is the Child Tax Credit for 2026?
The Child Tax Credit is $2,000 per qualifying child under age 17 for 2026. Up to $1,700 is refundable as the Additional Child Tax Credit if you owe less tax than the credit amount.
What are the income phase-out limits for the Child Tax Credit?
The credit begins to phase out at $200,000 AGI for single filers and $400,000 for married filing jointly. It reduces by $50 for every $1,000 of income above the threshold.
Can I claim the Child Tax Credit for a 17-year-old?
No. The child must be under age 17 at the end of the tax year. However, dependents aged 17 and older may qualify for the $500 Other Dependent Credit instead.