Free Child Tax Credit calculator for 2025. Estimate your CTC based on number of children, income, and filing status. Includes phase-out and ACTC refundable portion.
The Child Tax Credit (CTC) Calculator estimates your federal Child Tax Credit based on the number of qualifying children, your income, and filing status. For 2025, the CTC provides up to $2,000 per qualifying child under age 17, with up to $1,700 refundable as the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC).
The credit begins to phase out at $200,000 for single filers and $400,000 for married filing jointly. Understanding the phase-out mechanics helps you plan your tax strategy and estimate your actual benefit.
Enter your details to see the total CTC, ACTC refundable portion, and how the credit changes at different income levels. The CTC is one of the most valuable tax benefits available to families, but the phase-out rules mean that higher-income families receive a reduced credit or none at all. Understanding where your income falls in relation to these thresholds helps you plan contributions, deductions, and timing strategies that preserve as much of the credit as possible.
The CTC is one of the most valuable per-child tax benefits available. Knowing your exact credit amount helps with tax planning, budgeting, and estimating refunds. The refundable ACTC portion means you can receive money back even if your tax liability is zero. Knowing the full credit amount helps families budget accurately and make the most of this benefit.
Base CTC = $2,000 × Number of Qualifying Children Phase-Out Reduction = Max(0, (AGI – Threshold) / 1,000) × $50 (rounded up) CTC After Phase-Out = Max(0, Base CTC – Phase-Out Reduction) ACTC (Refundable) = Min($1,700 per child, 15% × (Earned Income – $2,500)) Other Dependent Credit = $500 per qualifying dependent age 17+
Result: CTC: $4,000 | ACTC refundable: up to $3,400
Two qualifying children at $2,000 each = $4,000 base CTC. AGI of $120,000 is well below the MFJ phase-out threshold of $400,000, so no phase-out reduction applies. The full $4,000 CTC is available, with up to $3,400 potentially refundable as ACTC.
The phase-out is gradual. At $200,000 single/$400,000 MFJ, the credit starts reducing by $50 per $1,000 of excess income. For one child ($2,000 credit), the credit fully phases out at $240,000 single/$440,000 MFJ. For two children ($4,000), it phases out at $280,000/$480,000.
The ACTC allows families with low tax liability to still benefit. It equals 15% of earned income above $2,500, capped at $1,700 per child. For example, a family earning $30,000 with 2 children: ACTC = 15% × ($30,000 – $2,500) = $4,125, capped at $3,400 ($1,700 × 2).
Dependents who don't qualify for the CTC (age 17+, elderly parents, etc.) may qualify for a $500 non-refundable Other Dependent Credit. This phases out at the same income thresholds as the CTC.
The Child Tax Credit (CTC) reduces your tax liability dollar-for-dollar, but only down to zero. The Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) is the refundable portion — if the CTC exceeds your tax liability, you can receive up to $1,700 per child as a refund. The ACTC is calculated as 15% of earned income above $2,500.
The phase-out begins at $200,000 AGI for single, head of household, and married filing separately filers, and $400,000 for married filing jointly. The credit is reduced by $50 for every $1,000 (or part thereof) over the threshold.
No. The child must be under age 17 at the end of the calendar year (December 31). A child who turns 17 during the year does not qualify for the $2,000 CTC but may qualify for the $500 Other Dependent Credit.
Yes, through the ACTC. If the CTC exceeds your tax liability, the refundable ACTC can increase your refund by up to $1,700 per qualifying child. However, you must have earned income above $2,500 to receive the ACTC.
Without earned income, the non-refundable CTC can still reduce your tax liability to zero, but you won't receive the refundable ACTC. The ACTC requires earned income above $2,500.
No. They are separate credits. The CTC is based on having qualifying children regardless of childcare expenses. The Child and Dependent Care Credit is for childcare expenses incurred so you can work. You can potentially claim both credits in the same year.