The 2026 Child Tax Credit: What Parents Need to Know This Tax Season

Tax season is here again, and if you’re a parent, you’re probably wondering what’s happening with the Child Tax Credit (CTC) in 2026. Whether you’re filing early in January or waiting until the April deadline, here’s a simple breakdown of what to expect, who qualifies, and how to make sure you get every dollar you’re eligible for this year.

What’s Staying the Same in 2026

Good news—there aren’t any big surprises this year! The 2026 Child Tax Credit remains at $2,000 per qualifying child under 17. Of that amount, up to $1,600 can be refundable, meaning even if you don’t owe any taxes, you could still get that portion back as a refund.

This structure follows the current tax laws, sticking with the same limits we’ve had since the temporary pandemic expansions ended.

Who Qualifies This Year?

To claim the Child Tax Credit in 2026, you’ll need to meet a few important rules:

• Your child has to be under 17 years old by the end of the year.
• The child must be a U.S. citizen or resident with a valid Social Security Number.
• The child must have lived with you for more than half the year.
• Your income has to fall below $200,000 (single filers) or $400,000 (married filing jointly) before the credit starts to phase out.

If you claimed the credit in the past, the process should feel familiar this year.

How to Claim the Child Tax Credit

When you file your 2025 tax return (for the 2026 season), make sure to include Schedule 8812 along with your regular tax forms. Double-check your child’s SSN and your prior IRS letters to avoid processing delays. If everything looks good, you can expect your refund to hit your bank account faster if you choose direct deposit.

Smart Filing Tips for Families

Here are a few easy ways to make your filing process smoother this year:

• File early—the earlier you file, the faster your refund will arrive.
• Choose direct deposit for faster payments.
• Use online filing tools or IRS Free File if you’re comfortable doing your taxes yourself.
• Keep last year’s return handy to confirm your dependents and income details.

Possible Updates on the Horizon

Lawmakers are still debating whether to expand the credit or make it fully refundable again, so it’s worth keeping an eye out for news in early 2026. Any changes could still impact your refund if updates happen before the April filing deadline.