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February 17, 2025
Question

Last tax season I got $4,000 in child tax credit but this season I only get $2,500 in child tax credit for the same, two minors. Why is this happening?

  • February 17, 2025
  • 2 replies
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Ages during 2023 were 16 and 13 years old. During 2024 they were 17 and 14 years old.

    2 replies

    February 17, 2025
    **Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to offer the most correct information possible. The poster disclaims any legal responsibility for the accuracy of the information that is contained in this post.**
    February 17, 2025

    The child tax credit only applies to dependents 16 and under as of December 31.  Since your 16 year old was 17 at the end of 2024 they did not qualify for the child tax credit.  Instead they qualified for the credit for other dependents, which is $500.  For additional information see the following TurboTax Help Article: Which tax credit does my child qualify for?

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    February 19, 2025

    I am having the same issue but my children are 3 and 1 so shouldn't I be getting $2000 for each child?

    February 19, 2025

    It depends.  In order to claim the full child tax credit (if each child qualifies) then you would need to have enough income to claim the credit.  The $2,000 Child Tax Credit is a non-refundable credit.  This means it will lower your tax liability but not below $0.  The amount that you cannot use as the non-refundable credit can then be claimed as the refundable Additional Child Tax credit.  This can be found on line 28 of your return.

     

    The additional child tax credit is calculated by taking 15% of your income above $2,500 for up to $1,700 per child. So if you have no tax liability, then your child tax credit would be a maximum of $3,400 for 2 kids. 

     

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