Child Tax Credit Estimate Calculator
Example: Qualifying children (under 17): 2 kids · Credit per child: 2000 $ · Modified adjusted gross income: 180000 $ · Phase-out threshold: 400000 $
| Estimated credit | $4,000 |
| Base credit before phase-out | $4,000 |
| Phase-out reduction | $0 |
Worked example
With two qualifying children at $2,000 each, the base credit is $4,000. If your income is $180,000 and the phase-out threshold is $400,000, you are well below the limit, so there is no reduction and you keep the full $4,000. Push income to $430,000 and you are $30,000 over: the credit drops by $50 for each of those 30 thousands, a $1,500 reduction, leaving $2,500. Knowing where you sit relative to the threshold is what this tool makes clear.
Frequently asked questions
Who is a qualifying child for the credit?
Generally a child under age 17 at year-end who is your dependent, is related to you, lived with you for more than half the year, and has a valid Social Security number. Older dependents may qualify for a smaller separate credit for other dependents instead.
How does the income phase-out work?
Once modified adjusted gross income exceeds the threshold, the credit is reduced by $50 for each $1,000 (or fraction thereof) above it. High earners can see the credit reduced to zero. Enter your income and the current threshold to see your exact reduction.
Are the amounts and thresholds fixed?
No. Congress has changed the per-child amount and thresholds several times, and parts of current law are scheduled to change in future years. Enter the figures for the tax year you are planning for, and verify current values with the IRS before filing.
Is the credit refundable?
A portion is refundable through the Additional Child Tax Credit, meaning you can receive part of it even if you owe little tax, subject to earned-income rules and an annual refundable cap. This tool estimates the total credit; consult IRS guidance for the refundable split.