How do I get the Child Tax Credit (CTC)?

To claim the Child Tax Credit (CTC), you need to claim it on your federal tax return. The rules about claiming the Child Tax Credit aren't the same for every tax year. To help manage expectations, it's important to know the differences. We've broken it down for you:

For the 2021 tax return, the CTC was a "refundable tax credit." Meaning, you could get it as a tax refund. And, you didn't need income to claim it.

For the 2022 and 2023 tax years, the CTC isn't a fully refundable tax credit. Meaning, you may not get it as refund, but it can lower taxes you owe. Also, you must have at least $2,500 of earned income to qualify for it.

Here's an example: Let's say you owed $2,000 on your 2023 federal return. You have an eligible child and you claim the credit. That debt can reduce to $0 because the credit is worth $2000 for that tax year. You won't see a check in the mail for $2000 because your debt was already reduced.

All you need to do is tell us what tax years you need help with. Your tax team will review your tax situation, to see what credits you can claim.

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Here is the IRS page explaining CTC eligibility requirements. 

If you qualified for the CTC and properly claimed it on your 2023 tax return, it would show up on Line 19 of your 2023 federal 1040 form.