Texas Child Support Calculator
2026Estimate child support payments in Texas. Calculate expected TX child support obligations based on income, custody arrangement, and number of children using Texas guidelines.
Written and reviewed by Konstantin Iakovlev · Methodology · Updated
Texas statutory rates: Texas applies 20% (1), 25% (2), 30% (3), 35% (4), 40% (5+) of the obligor's net resources, capped at $9,200/month net (2026). The calculator below uses generic Income Shares percentages and may not exactly match Texas's schedule — use it for ballparking, then run the official Texas guideline worksheet for any binding figure.
Total Annual Obligation
$37,600.00
Parent 1 Share
$27,072.00
Parent 2 Share
$12,032.00
Support Calculation
| Combined Gross Income | $100,000.00 |
| Base Obligation Rate (2 children) | 28% |
| Base Support Obligation | $28,000.00 |
| + Child Care Costs (annual) | $6,000.00 |
| + Health Insurance (annual) | $3,600.00 |
| Total Obligation | $37,600.00 |
Each Parent's Share
| Parent 1 Income Share | 60.0% |
| Parent 1 Annual Obligation | $27,072.00 |
| Parent 1 Monthly | $2,256.00 |
| Parent 2 Income Share | 40.0% |
| Parent 2 Annual Obligation | $12,032.00 |
| Parent 2 Monthly | $1,002.67 |
| Per Child (annual) | $18,800.00 |
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 is child support calculated in Texas?
Texas applies the Income Shares model. Both parents' gross incomes are combined and run through a guideline schedule that yields a basic monthly obligation. Each parent's share of that obligation is prorated by their percentage of combined income.
The calculation typically adjusts for: (1) work-related childcare, (2) the child's portion of health-insurance premiums, (3) extraordinary medical expenses, and (4) parenting time when overnights cross a state-defined threshold (e.g., 20%–40% depending on jurisdiction). Pre-existing support orders for other children, alimony paid, and mandatory retirement contributions also reduce gross income before the formula applies.
Guideline figures are presumptive — judges may deviate upward or downward when applying them would be unjust given the child's needs, the parents' resources, or other relevant factors. Texas courts retain final discretion. Always confirm the current guideline tables and worksheet with the Texas child support agency or family court.
Texas child support: model, official calculator, enforcement agency
- Guidelines model
- Percentage of Obligor Income
- Official calculator
- Texas Office of the Attorney General Child Support Calculator
Texas is one of just six remaining states using the Percentage of Obligor Income model (under Tex. Fam. Code §154): 20% of net resources for one child, 25% for two, 30% for three, 35% for four, 40% for five+. The percentages are applied to the first $9,200/month of net resources (2024-2025 cap, adjusted periodically). The Office of the Attorney General Child Support Division — among the largest in the country — administers approximately 1.5 million cases.
Texas Key Rates & Limits (2026)
| State Income Tax | None |
| State Sales Tax | 6.25% |
| Minimum Wage | $7.25/hr |
Texas child support — frequently asked questions
How does Texas calculate child support in 2026?
Texas uses the Percentage of Obligor Income model under Texas Family Code section 154 — one of just six states still using percentage rather than income shares. The noncustodial parent pays 20% of net resources for one child, 25% for two, 30% for three, 35% for four, and 40% for five or more. Net resources include wages minus federal tax, Social Security, union dues, and the cost of the child's health insurance — not the other parent's income.
What is the Texas child support cap on net resources?
Texas applies its percentages only to the first $9,200/month of the obligor's net resources (the cap is reviewed every six years by the Office of the Attorney General; the 2025–2030 cap remains $9,200). Above that amount, courts may order additional support based on proven needs of the child. For one child, the maximum guideline obligation is therefore about $1,840/month. The OAG Child Support Division administers roughly 1.5M Texas cases.
How does Texas enforce unpaid child support?
The Texas Office of the Attorney General is among the most aggressive enforcement agencies in the country. Tools include income withholding orders, license suspension (driver, professional, hunting, fishing), passport denial above $2,500 in arrears, tax refund interception, lottery-winning interception, and contempt-of-court jail time. Liens attach automatically to property and bank accounts. Texas does not allow retroactive modification — arrears keep accruing until a parent files to modify.