The IRS rule is age was under age 17 at the end of 2016. see https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p972.pdf
If you have kids, you’re probably wondering if they qualify for the Child Tax Credit. It make sense: Each qualifying child you claim on your tax return can put up to $1,000 in your pocket.
This credit, not to be confused with the Child and Dependent Care Credit, is in addition to the $4,050 exemption you get for each dependent. However, not every child qualifies.
To qualify for the Child Tax Credit in 2016, your child must fill all of these requirements:
- Be born on or after January 1, 2000
- Be your son, daughter, stepchild, foster child, adopted child, brother, sister, stepbrother, stepsister, half-brother, half-sister, or a descendant of any of them (for example, a grandchild or niece/nephew)
- Have their own Social Security or Individual Tax Identification number (ITIN)
- Have lived with you for more than half the year
- Not pay more than half their own expenses
- Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or U.S. resident alien (being a resident of Canada or Mexico does not qualify)
Just remember: Once your income reaches the amounts below, your credit starts being reduced down to zero. Here are the income limits:
- Married filing jointly: $110,000
- Married filing separately: $55,000
- Single, head of household: $75,000
When you reach the Deductions & Credits section in TurboTax, we’ll not only determine if your children are eligible for the Child Tax Credit, we’ll figure out the amount they qualify for.
You can also go directly to the Deductions & Credits section in TurboTax. Search for "Child Tax" and click on the “Jump to” link in the search results.
