Child Tax Credit
Through the Child Tax Credit, families receive a tax credit of up to $2,200 for each child under the age of 17.
The Child Tax Credit can help pay any taxes you might owe on your earnings. If you don’t owe any taxes, you will receive a cash refund of up to $1,700 per child.
AM I ELIGIBLE FOR THE CHILD TAX CREDIT?
You may qualify for the Child Tax Credit if you meet all of these criteria.
- You are a parent, guardian or caregiver with dependent children under 17. Children who turn 17 on or before Dec. 31, 2025 are not eligible.
- The child has lived with you for at least six months in 2025.
- You provide the majority of the financial support for the child. You do not have to be the child’s biological parent or have have formal custody to qualify.
- You, or your spouse if married filing jointly, must have a Social Security Number in order to claim the Child Tax Credit. Each child that you claim must also have a Social Security Number.
- You earned at least $2,500 from working in 2025.
WHAT ABOUT THE MONTHLY PAYMENTS THAT I GOT FOR 2021?
In 2021, Congress approved monthly payments of up to $300 per child, per month. Unfortunately, these monthly payments have not been renewed by Congress.
Earned Income Tax Credit
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) provides a tax credit to working people with low to moderate income. Qualifying individuals receive a cash payment (via direct deposit or paper check) after filing their taxes. The IRS starts sending refunds in mid-February. By law, the IRS is not allowed to send EITC refunds during the first few weeks of tax season.
In addition to the EITC credit from the federal government, Michigan now offers an expanded state EITC credit. This means more money in your pocket if you qualify!
To claim your credit, you must file a tax return, even if you do not owe any tax or are not otherwise required to file. If you worked full or part time in 2025, you may qualify for the credit.
WHO QUALIFIES?
You must have earned income (from working) in 2025 to qualify. If you have some earned income, you can qualify even if you receive other benefits. The details vary depending on your tax filing status and number of children in your household. All of the adults and children on your tax return must have a Social Security Number for your household to qualify.
Qualifying children can include your biological children, adopted children, grandchildren, younger siblings, and nieces and nephews. To qualify, children must live with you at least half of the year and be under age 19, be under 24 and a full time student, or be permanently disabled.
WHAT’S CHANGED ABOUT THE MICHIGAN EITC?
In 2023, changes to Michigan law increased the amount of the Michigan Earned Income Tax Credit for Working Families (also known as the Michigan EITC or the Working Families Tax Credit). The Michigan EITC uses the same eligibility criteria as the federal EITC. The amount of the Michigan credit is calculated as a percentage of the amount the family or individual receives from the federal EITC.
Previously, the Michigan EITC was calculated as 6% of the federal EITC. For example, if a family qualified for a $3000 federal EITC refund, they received an additional $180 ($3,000 x 6%) from the state of Michigan when filing their state taxes.
Under the law, the Michigan credit is 30% of the federal credit. In the same example, a family qualifying for a $3,000 federal EITC refund receives an additional $900 ($3,000 x 30%) from the state of Michigan.
HOW DO I CLAIM THE EXPANDED MICHIGAN EITC THIS YEAR?
When you file your taxes in 2026, the Michigan EITC will be automatically calculated at the new amount and included in your regular refund. You do not need to take any special action, but you do need to file taxes in 2026. We can help! It’s not too late! Schedule now to get expert help filing your taxes at no cost to you.
Get The Tax Facts is made possible thanks to the support of a coalition of partners and funders.
Learn more
Find stories below from people who have been helped by Get The Tax Facts.
