Child Tax Credit & EIC Calculator 2026
Estimate your Child Tax Credit (CTC) and Earned Income Credit (EIC) for 2026. Enter your income, filing status, and number of qualifying children to see how much you may receive.
The Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Credit are two of the largest tax credits for families and lower-income workers. The Child Tax Credit can be worth up to $2,000 per qualifying child under 17, with part of it refundable (Additional Child Tax Credit) so you can receive money back even if you don't owe tax. The Earned Income Credit is a refundable credit that can be worth up to $8,046 for families with three or more children in 2025—and you can claim both credits if you qualify.
This Child Tax Credit and EIC calculator lets you estimate both credits based on your adjusted gross income (AGI), earned income, filing status, and number of qualifying children. You'll see how much is non-refundable (reduces your tax) vs refundable (can be paid as a refund), and how the Child Tax Credit phase-out and EIC income limits affect your total. Use it to plan your taxes or to see how a change in income or family size changes your credits.
How to use this CTC and EIC calculator
Enter your filing status, number of qualifying children (under 17 for the Child Tax Credit), AGI, and earned income. For most wage earners, AGI and earned income are the same or very close. If you have investment income (interest, dividends, capital gains), enter it—the Earned Income Credit is not allowed if investment income exceeds $11,950. You can leave "Federal tax before credits" blank to have it estimated from your AGI and standard deduction, or enter your actual amount from your return for a more accurate CTC breakdown.
Wages, self-employment, etc. Usually same as AGI for many filers.
EIC disallowed if over $12,200 (2026).
Leave blank to estimate from AGI and standard deduction.
How the Child Tax Credit works
The Child Tax Credit (CTC) is worth up to $2,000 per qualifying child under age 17 at the end of the tax year. The child must be your son, daughter, stepchild, foster child, sibling, or descendant of any of these, and must have a valid Social Security number. The credit first reduces your federal income tax dollar for dollar (non-refundable). If your tax is reduced to zero and you still have unused credit, you may be able to receive part of it as a refund through the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC).
The CTC phases out when your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) exceeds $200,000 for single filers and head of household, or $400,000 for married filing jointly. The credit is reduced by $50 for every $1,000 (or fraction of $1,000) you're over the threshold. The refundable portion (ACTC) is the lesser of (1) 15% of your earned income over $2,500, capped at $1,700 per child, or (2) your unused CTC. You must have at least $2,500 in earned income to get any ACTC. If you claim ACTC, the IRS will not issue your refund before mid-February.
How the Earned Income Credit works
The Earned Income Credit (EIC) is a refundable credit for workers with low to moderate income. The amount depends on your filing status, income, and number of qualifying children. For 2026 (tax returns filed in 2027), the maximum EIC is $664 with no qualifying children, $4,427 with one child, $7,316 with two children, and $8,231 with three or more children. You must have earned income (wages, self-employment, etc.) and your investment income (interest, dividends, capital gains, etc.) must be $12,200 or less or you cannot claim the EIC at all.
Income limits to claim the EIC vary by filing status and number of children. For 2026, single filers with three or more children can have AGI up to $62,974 and still qualify; married filing jointly the limit is $70,224. The credit phases in at lower incomes and then phases out as income rises. Use the calculator above to see your estimated EIC, and the IRS EITC Assistant to confirm eligibility.
Who qualifies for the Child Tax Credit?
To claim the Child Tax Credit, the child must be under 17 at the end of the tax year, be your dependent, have a valid SSN, live with you for more than half the year (with some exceptions), and meet the relationship test. You (or your spouse if filing jointly) must have a valid SSN. Income limits apply: the credit phases out above $200,000 MAGI (single/HOH) or $400,000 (married filing jointly). There is no minimum income to claim the non-refundable part, but you need at least $2,500 in earned income to receive the refundable Additional Child Tax Credit.
Who qualifies for the Earned Income Credit?
You must have earned income and meet income limits that depend on filing status and number of qualifying children. You cannot have investment income over $12,200 in 2026. You (and your spouse if filing jointly) must have a valid Social Security number. Qualifying children for the EIC must meet age, relationship, residency, and other tests—the rules can differ slightly from the Child Tax Credit. You cannot use married filing separately and claim the EIC. Use the IRS EITC Assistant or this EIC calculator to estimate whether you qualify and for how much.
How to claim the Child Tax Credit and EIC
You claim both credits on your federal tax return (Form 1040). The Child Tax Credit and Additional Child Tax Credit are reported on Schedule 8812 if applicable. The Earned Income Credit is reported on the EIC worksheet and on Form 1040. Most tax software will calculate these for you when you enter your income and dependents. This CTC and EIC calculator gives you an estimate before you file so you can plan your refund or tax due and ensure you're not missing credits you're entitled to.