Child Tax Credit Calculator (2026)

Estimate your 2026 Child Tax Credit after the MAGI phaseout, tax liability limit and refundable Additional Child Tax Credit.

By The PiggyMath Editorial Desk Last updated August 10, 2026 ✓ Independently verified against published IRS figures

How this is calculated

Up to $2,200 per qualifying child under 17, plus $500 Credit for Other Dependents. Phaseout: reduce $50 for each $1,000 (or fraction) of MAGI over $200,000 (single) or $400,000 (MFJ). Nonrefundable credit is limited to tax liability; Additional CTC can refund up to $1,700 per child (15% of earned income over $2,500).

Family & income

Qualifying children under 17

Other dependents ($500 credit each)

Filing status

Modified AGI ($)

Earned income ($)Wages + self-employment — used for the refundable ACTC.

Federal income tax before CTC ($)Rough liability so the nonrefundable portion can be capped.

Estimated CTC used (nonrefundable + ACTC)

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Full credit before phaseout

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After MAGI phaseout

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Nonrefundable

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Additional CTC (refundable)

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How the credit splits

2026 Child Tax Credit in brief

IRS materials for 2026 list up to $2,200 per qualifying child, with up to $1,700 refundable via the Additional Child Tax Credit, and phaseouts at $200,000 MAGI (single, head of household, and married filing separately) or $400,000 (married filing jointly). Qualifying children generally need an SSN. Married filing separately can claim CTC only for a child that spouse actually claims as a dependent — this tool applies the $200,000 phaseout when you select MFS, but does not decide which spouse may claim the child. This calculator simplifies Schedule 8812 — it does not model every worksheet line.

Frequently asked questions

How much is the Child Tax Credit in 2026?

Up to $2,200 per qualifying child, with up to $1,700 potentially refundable as Additional CTC.

When does the credit phase out?

Starting at $200,000 MAGI for most filers and $400,000 for married filing jointly, reduced $50 per $1,000 (or fraction) over the threshold.

What about other dependents?

Dependents who are not qualifying children for CTC may still get a $500 nonrefundable Credit for Other Dependents.

Sources

Every formula on this page is checked against an independent implementation before publication. How we check our math →