$1,700 ACTC Refund Coming in 2025 – How to Claim, Check Status, and Eligibility Criteria

The Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) is one of the most important tax benefits available to families in 2025. With a maximum refund of $1,700 per qualifying child, the ACTC offers essential support to help parents cover rising living expenses. Whether it’s used for groceries, rent, or school supplies, this refund can provide real relief to those who need it most.

If you’re a parent or tax preparer, knowing how the ACTC works, who qualifies, and how to track your refund is key. Let’s walk through everything you need to know.

Overview

The ACTC is a refundable portion of the Child Tax Credit. That means you can receive a refund even if you owe no taxes. For the 2024 tax year (filed in 2025), the credit can put up to $1,700 per child back into your pocket.

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Topic	Details
Maximum Refund Amount	$1,700 per qualifying child
Filing Requirement	File Form 1040 with Schedule 8812
Minimum Income Threshold	Earned income must exceed $2,500
Refund Start Date	Mid-February 2025 (due to PATH Act)
Required Documentation	Valid SSNs for all qualifying children

Meaning

Unlike the regular Child Tax Credit, which may reduce your tax liability, the ACTC goes a step further by giving a refund to families who don’t owe taxes. It’s especially valuable for low- and middle-income households and helps bridge the financial gap during tax season.

In 2025, up to $1,700 can be refunded per child, making the ACTC a major support system for parents facing rising living costs.

Eligibility

To get the ACTC refund, you must meet strict eligibility requirements. Here’s what qualifies:

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Child Requirements

• Must be under 17 at the end of the tax year
• Must be your biological, step, adopted, or foster child (or related descendant like a grandchild or niece)
• Lived with you for more than half of the year
• Did not provide more than half of their own financial support
• Must have a valid SSN issued before the tax filing deadline

Income Rules

• Your earned income must exceed $2,500
• You get 15% of the amount above $2,500, up to $1,700 per child

Phase-Out Limits

The credit phases out at:

• $200,000 for single filers
• $400,000 for married couples filing jointly

Claiming

Here’s how to properly claim the ACTC on your 2024 return:

1. File Your Return

Use IRS Form 1040 or 1040-SR and attach Schedule 8812. This form calculates how much ACTC you’re owed based on your income and number of qualifying children.

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2. Verify Child Info

Double-check names and SSNs. If the IRS finds a mismatch, it could delay your refund.

3. Calculate the Refund

Here’s a quick example:

• Earned income: $30,000
• ($30,000 – $2,500) × 15% = $4,125
• If you have two children, you’d qualify for $3,400 (capped at $1,700 per child)

4. Choose How to File

E-filing is highly recommended for speed and accuracy. Paper returns are still accepted but can lead to long delays.

5. Opt for Direct Deposit

Enter your bank details carefully to receive your refund as fast as possible. Direct deposit usually arrives quicker than a mailed check.

Tracking

Thanks to the PATH Act, refunds involving the ACTC cannot be released before mid-February. This gives the IRS time to verify wage information and prevent fraud.

How to Track It

• Go to the IRS “Where’s My Refund?” tool
• Input your SSN, filing status, and exact refund amount
• You’ll see updates 24 hours after e-filing or four weeks after mailing your return

Sign Up for Notifications

Opt in for text or email alerts to stay on top of your refund progress. This can help avoid unnecessary worry or phone calls to the IRS.

Delays?

If your refund still hasn’t arrived after 21 days of e-filing or six weeks after mailing, contact the IRS to check your case.

FAQs