Are You Eligible for the Full $3,600 Child Tax Credit in 2025? Here’s What You Need to Know

Child Tax Credit: The Child Tax Credit (CTC) has long been a financial lifeline for millions of American families. In 2021, the credit was temporarily boosted to $3,600 per child under the American Rescue Plan, providing unprecedented support during the COVID-19 crisis. However, many are now wondering whether the full $3,600 Child Tax Credit is available in 2025.

Here’s the truth: as of the 2025 tax year (filed in 2026), the expanded $3,600 Child Tax Credit is no longer in effect. Instead, families may still claim up to $2,000 per qualifying child, with a portion of that refundable, based on income and other conditions.

Child Tax Credit

While the $3,600 Child Tax Credit is no longer available in 2025, the $2,000 standard credit remains a valuable benefit for working families. By understanding the eligibility rules, income limits, and how to file correctly, you can make sure you don’t miss out on this crucial tax break. For millions of parents, every dollar counts — and the CTC continues to be one of the most effective tools to ease the cost of raising children in America.

Understanding the Child Tax Credit in 2025

What is the Child Tax Credit?

The Child Tax Credit (CTC) is a tax benefit designed to help families with the cost of raising children. It directly reduces the amount of federal income tax you owe.

In 2021, the credit temporarily increased to $3,600 per child under age 6, and $3,000 per child ages 6 to 17, with advance payments sent monthly. This enhanced version expired at the end of 2021, and as of 2025, Congress has not extended it.

Currently, the standard Child Tax Credit is $2,000 per child, with up to $1,700 refundable through the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC).

Eligibility Criteria for the 2025 Child Tax Credit

To claim the full credit in 2025, you must meet several IRS-defined requirements:

Age Test

Your child must be under 17 at the end of 2025.

Relationship Test

The child must be your:

• Son or daughter
• Stepchild or foster child
• Brother, sister, step-sibling
• Grandchild, niece, or nephew

Residency Test

The child must have lived with you for more than half of 2025.

Support Test

The child must not provide more than half of their own financial support during the year.

Dependent Test

You must be able to claim the child as a dependent on your federal tax return.

Citizenship Test

Your child must be a U.S. citizen, national, or resident alien, and must have a valid Social Security Number.

Income Phaseout

• Single filers: CTC starts reducing at $200,000 MAGI
• Married filing jointly: Phaseout begins at $400,000
• Credit is reduced by $50 for every $1,000 above the threshold

The Refundable Portion: Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC)

If you owe less in taxes than your eligible Child Tax Credit, you may still get some of it back as a refund.

Maximum Refund in 2025

The ACTC lets you claim up to $1,700 per child if you meet income and employment conditions.

Eligibility for ACTC

• You must have at least $2,500 in earned income.
• You’ll receive 15% of your earned income over $2,500, up to the $1,700 max.

Example: If your earned income is $20,000:

• $20,000 – $2,500 = $17,500
• 15% of $17,500 = $2,625
• If you have one qualifying child, your refund is limited to $1,700

Child Tax Credit: How to Claim the Child Tax Credit in 2025

Claiming the CTC is simple, but you need to follow these steps:

1. Gather Documents

• Social Security Number for each child
• Proof of residency (e.g., school records, medical statements)
• Proof of income (W-2, 1099, etc.)
• IRS Form 1040

2. Complete Schedule 8812

This form calculates the amount of credit and refund you can receive.

3. File Your Taxes On Time

Even if you’re not required to file taxes, you must file to claim the credit. Consider using free tax software if your income is low. Tools like Free File are available for households earning below $79,000.

What About the $3,600 Credit?

The $3,600 Child Tax Credit was a temporary expansion for tax year 2021. Unless Congress revives that version through new legislation, you won’t receive $3,600 in 2025.

However, there’s ongoing political discussion to expand the credit again in future years. Stay updated through official sources like congress.gov or IRS news.

Future of the Child Tax Credit

If no laws change, the Child Tax Credit is set to shrink in 2026:

• Maximum credit will drop to $1,000 per child
• Lower phaseout thresholds will apply

This potential rollback is part of the expiration of key provisions in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA).

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Tips to Maximize Your Child Tax Credit

1. File early and accurately – Avoid delays by submitting all documentation and checking eligibility before tax season.
2. Claim all eligible dependents – Double-check relationships and residency requirements.
3. Track earned income carefully – It affects the refundable portion (ACTC).
4. Use IRS tools or tax software – Helps reduce mistakes and ensures full credit.
5. Keep records of your child’s residence and support – The IRS may ask for verification.

FAQs on Child Tax Credit

1. Will I get the $3,600 Child Tax Credit in 2025?

No. That higher amount was only for 2021. The 2025 maximum is $2,000 per child.

2. Is any part of the Child Tax Credit refundable in 2025?

Yes. You can receive up to $1,700 per child through the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC).

3. What if my income is too high?

If your income exceeds $200,000 (or $400,000 for joint filers), your credit will be reduced or eliminated.

4. Can I claim the credit if my child was born in December 2025?

Yes! As long as the child was born before midnight on December 31, 2025, and meets the other criteria.

5. Do I need a Social Security Number for my child?

Yes. Your child must have a valid SSN to qualify for the credit.