Which tax credit does my child qualify for?
If you have kids, you might qualify for either the Child Tax Credit or the Credit for Other Dependents (also known as the Family Tax Credit). While they’re similar, there are some differences in eligibility.
To qualify for the Child Tax Credit, the child must:
Be related to you
Have a Social Security number
Be younger than 17
Be a US resident
To qualify for the Credit for Other Dependents, the child:
Doesn't have to be related to you
Must have an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) or Social Security number
Can be a Canadian or Mexican resident
If they're older than 18, they can’t have a gross income of more than $5,200 in 2025 (Social Security income usually doesn’t count), unless they're either:
A qualified child under the age of 24 and a full-time student
Permanently or totally disabled
For more information, review the full Child Tax Credit and Credit for Other Dependents requirements.
Why did I get the Credit for Other Dependents instead of the Child Tax Credit?
There are a few reasons why you might get the Credit for Other Dependents instead of the Child Tax Credit. Common reasons include:
Your child is now 17 years or older.
Your child is no longer considered a qualifying child, but is considered a qualifying relative dependent.
Your child has an Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN), but doesn't have a Social Security number.
