Eligible families can receive up to $1,700 per child through the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) in 2025.
This tax refund provides crucial financial support for families, helping to cover essential expenses like childcare, education, and daily necessities.
If you’re wondering how to qualify, when to expect your refund, and how to file your claim, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
ACTC
The Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) is a refundable portion of the Child Tax Credit (CTC).
While the standard CTC reduces the amount of taxes you owe, the ACTC allows families to receive money back even if they owe little or no federal income tax.
For the 2025 tax year, eligible families can receive up to $1,700 per qualifying child through the ACTC.
Quick Overview
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Refund Amount | Up to $1,700 per qualifying child |
| Eligibility | U.S. households with qualifying children |
| Claim Process | File IRS Form 8812 with your tax return |
| Refund Timeline | Early 2025 (varies by filing method) |
| IRS Resource | IRS ACTC Information |
Families who meet the income and dependent criteria can maximize their tax refunds by properly claiming the ACTC.
Eligibility
To qualify for the $1,700 ACTC refund, you must meet specific income and dependent requirements.
Qualifying Child Requirements
Your child must:
- Be under 17 years old at the end of 2024.
- Be a U.S. citizen, national, or resident alien.
- Be claimed as a dependent on your tax return.
- Have lived with you for more than half the year.
Income Limits
| Filing Status | Income Phase-Out Begins |
|---|---|
| Single Filers | Over $200,000 |
| Married Filing Jointly | Over $400,000 |
Households earning below these thresholds will qualify for the maximum refund.
Earned Income Requirement
To claim the ACTC, you must have at least $2,500 in earned income, which includes:
- Wages, salaries, or tips
- Self-employment earnings
- Other taxable income
Valid Social Security Number
Both you and your qualifying child must have a valid Social Security number (SSN) to claim the ACTC.
Claiming
If you qualify for the ACTC refund, follow these four steps to claim your refund.
Step 1: Gather Your Documents
- Social Security numbers for all dependents
- Proof of earned income (W-2s, 1099s, pay stubs)
- Childcare expense documentation (if applicable)
Step 2: Complete IRS Form 8812
- Fill out Form 8812: Additional Child Tax Credit.
- Attach it to your federal income tax return.
Step 3: File Your Tax Return
| Filing Method | Processing Time | Refund Speed |
|---|---|---|
| E-Filing | Fast | 2-4 weeks |
| Paper Filing | Slow | 6-8 weeks |
To avoid delays, filing electronically with direct deposit is recommended.
Step 4: Check Your Refund Status
- Visit the IRS Where’s My Refund? tool.
- Enter your Social Security number, filing status, and refund amount.
- Check updates 24 hours after e-filing or 4 weeks after mailing a paper return.
Refund Timeline
The IRS refund schedule provides an estimate of when families can expect their $1,700 ACTC payment.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Tax Filing Season Begins | January 2025 |
| Earliest E-Filed Refunds | Late January – Early February 2025 |
| Paper Refunds Begin | March 2025 onwards |
Tip: E-file early with direct deposit for the fastest refund.
Maximizing
To ensure you receive the full ACTC refund, follow these best practices:
1. File Early
- The earlier you file, the sooner you receive your refund.
2. Use Direct Deposit
- This is faster and more secure than receiving a paper check.
3. Double-Check Your Information
- Make sure Social Security numbers, income details, and dependent information are correct.
- Errors delay refunds or cause claim rejections.
4. Seek Tax Assistance
- If unsure, consult a tax professional or use IRS Free File services.
5. Claim Additional Tax Credits
- You can combine the ACTC with other credits, such as:
| Tax Credit | Max Benefit |
|---|---|
| Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) | Up to $7,000+ |
| Child and Dependent Care Credit | Up to $8,000 |
By strategically claiming multiple credits, families can maximize their refunds.
The $1,700 ACTC refund is a valuable financial boost for qualifying families in 2025. To ensure you receive the full amount:
Check eligibility requirements
File early and accurately
Use direct deposit for faster payments
Claim additional tax credits for a bigger refund
If you need assistance, visit IRS.gov or speak with a certified tax professional.
