Child Tax Credit Calculator 2019 Usa

The 2019 Child Tax Credit was a significant financial benefit for families with children in the United States. This calculator helps you determine your eligibility and the amount of credit you could receive. The credit was fully refundable, meaning you could receive the full amount even if it exceeded your tax liability.

How the 2019 Child Tax Credit Works

The 2019 Child Tax Credit was part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) signed into law in December 2017. It was designed to provide financial assistance to families with children under the age of 17. The credit was fully refundable, meaning you could receive the full amount even if it exceeded your tax liability.

The credit was phased out for higher-income families. The maximum credit amount for 2019 was $2,000 per qualifying child, with an additional $500 for each child under age 6.

Key Points

Fully refundable credit
Phased out for higher-income families
Maximum credit of $2,000 per child under 17
Additional $500 for each child under age 6

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the 2019 Child Tax Credit, you must meet certain requirements:

You must be a U.S. citizen or resident alien
You must have a valid Social Security number
You must have a qualifying child who is a U.S. citizen or resident alien
The child must be under the age of 17 at the end of the tax year
You must have provided more than half of the child's support for the year

The credit is not available for children who are dependents of another taxpayer or who are claimed as dependents on someone else's tax return.

Credit Amounts by Age

The amount of the Child Tax Credit varies depending on the age of your child:

Child's Age	Credit Amount
Under 1	$2,000
1-5	$2,000
6-16	$2,000
17	$500

For children under age 6, you can claim an additional $500 per child. This means a child under age 1 could receive up to $2,500 in the Child Tax Credit.

How to Claim Your Credit

To claim the Child Tax Credit, you will need to complete Form 8812, Child Tax Credit, and attach it to your federal income tax return. The form requires information about your qualifying children, including their names, Social Security numbers, and dates of birth.

You will also need to provide information about your income and the amount of the credit you are claiming. The credit is phased out for higher-income families, so you may need to reduce the amount of the credit you claim if your income exceeds certain thresholds.

Credit Amount = $2,000 per qualifying child + $500 per qualifying child under age 6 - Phase-out amount (if applicable)

Worked Examples

Example 1: Single Parent with One Child

A single parent with one child under age 5 has an adjusted gross income (AGI) of $40,000. The parent qualifies for the full Child Tax Credit of $2,500 ($2,000 for the child under 17 plus $500 for the child under age 6).

Example 2: Married Couple with Two Children

A married couple with two children, one under age 3 and one under age 10, has an AGI of $80,000. The couple qualifies for the full Child Tax Credit of $4,000 ($2,000 for each child under 17 plus $500 for the child under age 6).

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I qualify for the Child Tax Credit?

To qualify, you must have a qualifying child who is a U.S. citizen or resident alien, is under the age of 17, and for whom you provided more than half of the child's support. You must also be a U.S. citizen or resident alien with a valid Social Security number.

How much is the Child Tax Credit worth?

The credit is worth $2,000 per qualifying child under 17. For children under age 6, you can claim an additional $500 per child, making the maximum credit $2,500 per child.

How do I claim the Child Tax Credit?

You must complete Form 8812, Child Tax Credit, and attach it to your federal income tax return. The form requires information about your qualifying children, including their names, Social Security numbers, and dates of birth. You will also need to provide information about your income and the amount of the credit you are claiming.