Can I Claim the Child Tax Credit?

Yes — you can claim the Child Tax Credit (CTC) of up to $2,000 per qualifying child under age 17 as of December 31 of the tax year. The child must be your dependent, have a valid Social Security number, and live with you for more than half the year. The credit begins to phase out at $200,000 of income ($400,000 for married filing jointly). Up to $1,700 of the CTC is refundable as the Additional Child Tax Credit, meaning you can receive it even if you owe no tax. You cannot claim the CTC for a child you do not claim as a dependent.