$3,600 Child Tax Credit in 2025? The Truth Every Parent Needs to Know!

Okay, let’s talk about something a lot of parents have been asking lately:
Is the $3,600 Child Tax Credit really coming back in 2025?

Short answer? Not at this point.
There’s been chatter online, in Facebook groups, and even in headlines, but there’s no law right now that gives families $3,600 per child for 2025.

Let’s break it down so you know exactly what’s real — and what’s just noise.

What’s the Real Deal with the 2025 Child Tax Credit?

Here’s where we’re at:
Right now, the Child Tax Credit is $2,000 per child under 17. That’s been the standard amount for a while, ever since the pandemic-era increase expired.

Back in 2021, families got up to $3,600 per child, and monthly payments were hitting bank accounts. That was amazing for a lot of households, but it was part of a temporary relief plan during COVID — and it ended.

As of today (mid-2025), Congress hasn’t brought that version back. So unless something changes fast, you’ll only be able to claim up to $2,000 per child when you file your taxes in early 2026.

So, Can I Still Get a Refund?

Yes — but with limits.

Of the $2,000 per child, up to $1,700 is refundable. That means if you don’t owe any taxes, you can still get up to $1,700 per qualifying child as part of your tax refund (this is called the Additional Child Tax Credit).

The remaining $300 only helps reduce what you owe on your taxes — it doesn’t come as cash if your tax bill is zero.

Who Qualifies for the Child Tax Credit?

Here’s the general checklist:

• Your child is under 17 by the end of 2025.

• They live with you for at least half the year.

• You’re their parent or guardian (or they’re your sibling, grandchild, niece, etc.).

• They’re a U.S. citizen or legal resident with a Social Security Number.

• You provide more than half of their financial support.

• And your income stays under:

  • $200,000 if you’re single.

  • $400,000 if you’re married and filing jointly.

Earn more than that? The credit starts to shrink as your income goes up.

When Will I Actually Get the Money?

This is important:
There are no monthly payments anymore, like there were in 2021.

You’ll get the full credit (and refund, if applicable) when you file your taxes in 2026. And even then, if you’re claiming the refundable portion, the IRS usually holds off on sending that refund until mid-February, just to prevent fraud.

How Do I Claim It?

Simple steps:

1. File your 2025 taxes in early 2026.

2. Fill out IRS Form 1040 like usual.

3. Make sure to complete Schedule 8812 — this tells the IRS how much credit (and refund) you’re owed.

4. Choose direct deposit so the money hits your account faster.

Wait — What If My Kid’s Too Old or Doesn’t Qualify?

If your child is 17 or older, or doesn’t meet all the other requirements, you might still be able to get up to $500 through the “Credit for Other Dependents.” Not as much, but every bit helps.

Heads-Up: Big Change Coming in 2026

One last thing. If Congress doesn’t step in, the Child Tax Credit is actually set to drop from $2,000 back down to $1,000 in 2026. That’s because the current expanded credit was part of a temporary tax law.

So… yeah. That could be a big deal for a lot of families. Keep an eye on tax reform talks later this year and in 2026 — things might change again.

There’s no $3,600 credit right now, but the regular Child Tax Credit is still available — and it’s worth claiming if you qualify.

It’s not quite as generous as it was during the pandemic, but it can still give your family some extra breathing room come tax time. And if lawmakers bring back the expanded version? I’ll let you know the second it happens.