topic Filed return. Have a dependent. Income isn’t taxable. Not eligible for CTC credit? in After you file

Filed return. Have a dependent. Income isn’t taxable. Not eligible for CTC credit?

kelsiwood32 — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 21:59:41 GMT

Re: Filed return. Have a dependent. Income isn’t taxable. Not eligible for CTC credit?

DaveF1006 — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 22:10:38 GMT

It depends. You must have at least $2,500 in Earned Income (wages, tips, or self-employment) to qualify for any part of the credit. Earned income is any income that is derived from working.

Any other income such as Social Security (SSI/SSDI), Child Support, VA Benefits, Unemployment, or Pensions does not count as earned income for claiming the Child Tax Credit.

Also, the child must be under the age of 17 in 2025 in order to claim the child tax credit.

Re: Filed return. Have a dependent. Income isn’t taxable. Not eligible for CTC credit?

xmasbaby0 — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 22:56:59 GMT

The refundable portion of the child tax credit, which is called the additional child tax credit, is based on having income from working. If you did not work you are not eligible for the ACTC. You have not mentioned what kind of income you had that "isn't taxable." If you do not have taxable income then a credit has no effect.