Tax season is in full swing, and millions of families across the U.S. are checking their eligibility for credits, rebates, and refunds. If you’re a parent or supporting a dependent, this month could bring some much-needed relief, especially with the rolling of IRS Child Tax Credit payments.
Even if you don’t qualify for the popular Child Tax Credit (CTC), don’t worry you might still be eligible for the Other Dependents Credit and other valuable tax breaks. Let’s walk through what’s available and how to get your piece of the refund pie.
Credits
The Child Tax Credit remains one of the most generous federal credits out there. Families with qualifying kids can receive up to $2,000 per child, and up to $1,700 of that is refundable, meaning it comes back as cash even if you don’t owe taxes.
To qualify, your child must:
- Be under 17 years old
- Be a U.S. citizen or resident alien
- Be claimed as a dependent
- Have lived with you for more than half the year
- Not have provided more than half of their support
Your income also matters:
| Filing Status | Income Limit |
|---|---|
| Single | $200,000 |
| Married Filing Jointly | $400,000 |
These thresholds are firm—earn above them, and your credit starts shrinking.
Heads-up: the $2,000 amount is temporary. It was bumped up during the pandemic and is set to drop next year, so don’t miss out in 2025.
Timing
If you’ve filed your return already and everything looks good (no errors or audits), you can typically expect your Child Tax Credit payment within 21 days. Keep an eye on your bank account or mailbox.
Dependents
Didn’t qualify for the Child Tax Credit? No problem. There’s another option: the Other Dependents Credit. This gives you $500 per dependent who doesn’t qualify under the Child Tax Credit rules.
Eligible dependents include:
- Children over the age of 17
- Elderly parents
- Relatives living with you
- Any qualifying U.S. citizen, national, or resident alien with an SSN, ITIN, or ATIN
Income limits for this credit are the same as the CTC: $200,000 for single filers and $400,000 for joint filers. Just make sure to declare the dependent on your return, and double-check their identification details.
Earned
Another powerful tool in your tax-saving toolbox? The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Designed to help lower-income earners, this credit varies based on your income and how many children you have—if any.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Number of Children | Max Income (2025) | Max Credit |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | $25,511 | ~$600 |
| 1 | ~$49,000 | ~$3,995 |
| 2 | ~$55,000 | ~$6,604 |
| 3+ | $66,819 | ~$7,430 |
Even if you haven’t filed in years, you can still claim past EITC credits going back three years. For example, you’ve got until April 15, 2025, to claim for tax year 2021.
Filing
One last tip that could save you: Always file a Return, even if your income is below the taxable limit. Why? Because many credits, like the CTC and EITC, are Refundable. If you don’t file, you won’t get them even if you’re eligible. Don’t leave money on the table!
Tax credits can be overwhelming, but they’re worth your attention. Whether you’re parenting toddlers or caring for aging parents, the IRS has designed these credits to ease the financial load. This month, take full advantage file early, check your Eligibility, and get what you’re owed.
