The 2026 tax season is officially underway, and for millions of families, the Child Tax Credit (CTC) remains the single most important line item on their return. While social media rumors of “$3,600 payments” are false, the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) did officially raise the cap this year.
Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF): For the 2025 tax year (filed now), the maximum Child Tax Credit has increased to $2,200 per qualifying child. Of that amount, up to $1,700 is fully refundable (Additional Child Tax Credit) even if you owe zero taxes.+1
Q: What is the Maximum I Can Get?
Don’t bank on the old $2,000 number.
- Total Credit: $2,200 per child under 17.
- Refundable Portion: $1,700. This is the maximum amount the IRS will send you in a check if your tax bill is zero.+1
Q: Who is Eligible?
To qualify for the full $2,200, you must meet strict criteria:
- Age: Under age 17 at the end of 2025.
- Residency: Lived with you for more than half the year.
- Support: Child did not provide 50% of their own support.
Q: What Are the Income Limits?
High earners will see their credit reduced. The phase-out thresholds remain:
- Single / Head of Household: $200,000
- Married Filing Jointly: $400,000
Note: For every $1,000 you earn above these limits, your credit drops by $50.
Q: When Will I Get My Money? (PATH Act Warning)
By law, the IRS cannot release refunds containing the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) before mid-February.
- Status Update: The “Where’s My Refund?” tool will likely show a “Path Act Message” until Feb 15.
- Deposit Date: Actual deposits for early filers will hit bank accounts between Feb 27 and March 5.
Disclaimer: This article covers the 2025 tax year filed in early 2026. Always verify details at IRS.gov.
Evan Cole Editor-in-Chief | Breaking News & Public Policy
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