The Child Tax Credit (CTC) is one of the most valuable tax credits available to families in the United States. For the 2024 tax year, it can reduce your tax bill by up to $2,000 per qualifying child — and up to $1,700 of that may come back to you as a cash refund even if you owe no taxes.
Yet many families in Rochester either don't know they qualify, or they don't claim everything they're entitled to. This guide explains exactly how the credit works, who qualifies, and how to make sure you're getting the full amount.
How Much Is the Child Tax Credit?
For tax year 2024 (the return you file in 2025), the Child Tax Credit is worth:
- Up to $2,000 per qualifying child under age 17
- Up to $1,700 refundable as the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) — meaning you can get this as a refund even if you owe no federal income tax
- Up to $500 per qualifying dependent who is not a qualifying child (the "Other Dependent Credit")
| Filing Status | Phase-Out Begins At |
|---|---|
| Married Filing Jointly | $400,000 |
| Single / Head of Household | $200,000 |
| Married Filing Separately | $200,000 |
The credit reduces by $50 for every $1,000 of income above the threshold. Most Rochester families will qualify for the full credit.
Who Qualifies as a "Qualifying Child"?
To claim the Child Tax Credit, each child must meet all of the following requirements:
- Age: Under age 17 at the end of the tax year
- Relationship: Your child, stepchild, foster child, sibling, step-sibling, half-sibling, or a descendant of any of these
- Residence: Lived with you for more than half the tax year
- Support: Did not provide more than half of their own financial support
- Social Security Number: Must have a valid SSN to qualify for the $2,000 credit
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or U.S. resident alien
Does my child need an SSN? Yes — to claim the full $2,000 Child Tax Credit, your qualifying child must have a valid Social Security Number. However, if your child has no number, you may still qualify for the $500 Other Dependent Credit. Contact us if you have questions about your specific situation.
The Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC)
The refundable portion of the Child Tax Credit is called the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC). This is what makes the credit so powerful for lower-income families — even if you owe little or no federal income tax, you can still receive up to $1,700 per qualifying child as a direct refund.
To qualify for the ACTC, you generally need to have earned income (wages, salary, self-employment income) of at least $2,500. The credit is calculated as 15% of your earned income above $2,500, up to the $1,700 per-child maximum.
When Will You Receive Your Refund?
If you claim the Child Tax Credit or Earned Income Tax Credit, the IRS is legally required to hold your refund until mid-February. This is not a delay — it's a federal law (the PATH Act) designed to reduce fraud. If you file in late January, expect your refund in late February or early March at the earliest.
Let Us Check Every Credit You Qualify For
We review your full tax situation — credits, deductions, filing status — to make sure you're not leaving money on the table.
Book an Appointment →At Mownur Tax Services, we prepare taxes for hundreds of Rochester families every year — many of them with children. We always check for the Child Tax Credit, Earned Income Credit, childcare deductions, and every other credit that applies to your household.
Have questions? Call us at (507) 319-7168 or book an appointment online.