What to know about the child tax credit before filing
Most taxpayers will need to file their returns by April 15. Parents and guardians can take advantage of one or more child-related credits to get a tax break.
Here’s how to claim the child tax credit.
Who can claim a child tax credit?
Parents and guardians who make less than $200,000 a year ($400,000 if filing jointly) with a qualifying child may claim the child tax credit, according to the Internal Revenue Service.
A qualifying child has a Social Security number and is a U.S. citizen, national or “resident alien.”
Additionally, a qualifying child must be under age 17 at the end of the tax year, does not provide more than half of his or her own support, has lived with you for more than half the year, and must be claimed as a dependent on your return.
The child you claim for this credit, if you are their guardian, can be your son, daughter, stepchild, eligible foster child, brother, sister, stepbrother, stepsister, half-brother, half-sister or a descendant of one of these (for example, a grandchild, niece or nephew), according to the IRS.
How do I claim the child tax credit on my tax return?
When you fill out your 1040 form, as most taxpayers will do, you will also complete Schedule 8812, on which you enter information about your child to claim the credit.
Can I claim both the child tax credit and the dependent care credit?
People with a qualifying dependent child can take advantage of other tax credits as well, including the child and dependent care credit.
To claim the credit, you must fill out Schedule 2441 on your tax return.
This tax break is for parents or guardians who paid expenses for the care of a qualifying individual — a dependent under age 13, a spouse, or a dependent of any age who is incapable of self-care, according to the IRS. The person must have lived with you for more than half the year.
The credit is calculated based on income and a percentage of expenses for caring for the dependent.
The IRS website has more information on child-related tax benefits, such as the earned income tax credit.