Child Tax Credit Calculator: Estimate Your 2025 Credit
Calculate your eligibility and amount with our 2025 Child Tax Credit calculator. See how the CTC impacts your tax refund based on dependents and income.
Child Tax Credit Calculator: Estimate Your 2025 Credit
Enter your details below to calculate
Child Tax Credit Calculator (2025)
Estimate your 2025 Child Tax Credit (CTC), Credit for Other Dependents (ODC), and the potential refundable Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC).
Your Details
Used for phaseout. Thresholds: ${getPhaseoutThreshold(inputs.filingStatus).toLocaleString()}
For refundable ACTC estimate (15% of earned income above $2,500).
Estimates only. Actual refundable vs. non-refundable split depends on your final tax liability and Schedule 8812. Figures reflect current IRS guidance for 2025 and may change with new legislation.
Results
Total estimated credit
$4,400
Estimated refundable (ACTC)
$3,400
Potential non-refundable
$1,000
Phaseout reduction applied
$0
Breakdown
Refundable caps: $3,400 by child cap; $13,875 by income rule.
How to Use Child Tax Credit Calculator
Choose filing status
Select Single, Married filing jointly, Married filing separately, Head of household, or Qualifying widow(er).
Enter MAGI and earned income
Use your modified AGI for phaseout and your W-2/self-employment income for the ACTC refundable estimate.
Add dependents
Enter number of qualifying children under age 17 and any other dependents (for the $500 ODC).
Review breakdown
See total credit, phaseout reduction, estimated refundable ACTC, and potential non-refundable portion.
Key Features
Up-to-date 2025 thresholds and phaseout rules (IRS Schedule 8812)
Estimates refundable ACTC using 15% income test
Supports other dependents (ODC) and all filing statuses
Clear breakdown: phaseout reduction, refundable vs non-refundable
Mobile-friendly UI with presets and guardrails
Complete Guide: Child Tax Credit Calculator: Estimate Your 2025 Credit
The Child Tax Credit (CTC) is designed to reduce your tax bill for each qualifying child under age 17. For 2025, current IRS guidance indicates the credit is worth up to $2,200 per qualifying child, with up to $1,700 per child potentially refundable through the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC). The refundable portion depends on earned income and the per‑child cap; the non‑refundable portion reduces your tax owed. Rules are finalized on Schedule 8812 each tax season and may change with new legislation.
How the Credit Is Calculated
The calculator applies the two key mechanics that determine your benefit:
- Phaseout by income (MAGI): Your combined CTC and Other Dependent Credit (ODC) are reduced by $50 for each $1,000 (or fraction) that your Modified AGI exceeds the threshold. Thresholds are $400,000 for married filing jointly and qualifying widow(er), and $200,000 for all other filing statuses.
- Refundability through ACTC: The refundable portion is generally limited to 15% of earned income above $2,500 and capped at the per‑child limit. Your refundable amount is the smaller of the income‑based cap and the per‑child cap, and cannot exceed the CTC left after phaseout.
Phaseout thresholds (MAGI)
- Married filing jointly / Qualifying widow(er): $400,000
- Single / Head of household / Married filing separately: $200,000
- Reduction: $50 per $1,000 (or part) of MAGI above the threshold
Refundable ACTC estimate
- Income test: 15% of earned income over $2,500
- Per‑child refundable cap: up to $1,700 per child (subject to annual IRS updates)
- Cannot exceed the CTC remaining after phaseout
Qualifying Child vs. Other Dependents
A qualifying child for the CTC generally must be under 17 at the end of the tax year, have a valid SSN, meet relationship and residency tests, not provide over half of their own support, and be claimed on your return. Dependents who do not meet these tests may still qualify for the Other Dependent Credit (ODC) of $500, which is non‑refundable and subject to the same phaseout.
Quick example
A married couple filing jointly has MAGI of $150,000, earned income of $130,000, and two children under 17. The base CTC is $4,400 (2 × $2,200). They are under the $400,000 phaseout threshold, so no reduction applies. Their income‑based refundable limit is 15% × ($130,000 − $2,500) = $19,125; the per‑child refundable cap is $3,400 (2 × $1,700). The estimated refundable ACTC is the smaller: $3,400. The potential non‑refundable portion is $1,000 (the remaining CTC), which reduces their tax liability if any.
Planning Ideas
- Mind phaseout cliffs: If you are near a threshold, pre‑tax deferrals (401(k), HSA, traditional IRA where eligible) can reduce MAGI and preserve more of the credit.
- Track earned income: Refundability grows with earned income above $2,500. Seasonal or bonus income can change the refundable portion.
- Coordinate with withholdings: If most of your CTC is refundable, adjust Form W‑4 to avoid over‑withholding and improve cash flow.
- Document eligibility: Ensure dependents have valid SSNs and you meet residency/support tests to avoid delays.
This calculator provides an educational estimate based on current IRS guidance and typical 2025 assumptions. Your actual refundability and final credit are determined on your filed return using Schedule 8812 and may differ due to other credits, tax liability, or future law changes. Consult a tax professional for personalized advice.
About the Author
Jurica Šinko
Finance Expert, CPA, MBA with 15+ years in corporate finance and investment management
Connect with JuricaFrequently Asked Questions
What are the 2025 income phaseout thresholds?
For married filing jointly and qualifying widow(er), the phaseout begins at $400,000 of MAGI. For all other filing statuses, it begins at $200,000. The combined Child Tax Credit and Other Dependent Credit are reduced by $50 for every $1,000 (or fraction) of income above the threshold.
How much is the Child Tax Credit per child in 2025?
Current IRS guidance indicates the Child Tax Credit is worth up to $2,200 per qualifying child under age 17. The refundable Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) is capped at up to $1,700 per child and is limited by the 15% earned income rule.
What is a qualifying child for the CTC?
Generally, a dependent under age 17 at the end of the tax year who is your child, stepchild, foster child, sibling (or a descendant of any of them), meets relationship, residency, support, and SSN requirements, and is properly claimed on your return.
What is the Other Dependent Credit (ODC)?
A non-refundable $500 credit for certain dependents who do not qualify for the CTC, such as older children or supported relatives. It phases out at the same income thresholds as the CTC.
How is the refundable ACTC estimated?
The calculator applies the 15% rule on earned income above $2,500 and caps it by the per-child refundable limit and the CTC amount after phaseout. Actual refundable vs. non-refundable split depends on your final tax liability on Schedule 8812.
Do married filing separately filers get the $400,000 threshold?
No. Married filing separately uses the $200,000 phaseout threshold.
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