Can someone clarify the child tax credit? I though the credit was capped at $1,400 if the return is a refund, but my return currently shows a $2,00 credit

[DanaB · Accepted solution]

The child tax credit can be up to $2,000 per child. Of these $2,000 up to $1,400 of the credit can be refundable. Refundable tax credits are treated as payments of tax you made during the year. When the total of these credits is greater than the tax you owe, the IRS sends you a tax refund for the difference. The nonrefundable part of the child tax credit you can find on line 12a of form 1040.  If there is a refundable part it will show on line 17b.

Please see this FAQ for additional information: 

https://ttlc.intuit.com/replies/3301702

[drulla01]

So it's irrelevant that I overpaid on taxes and the return already resulted in a refund?  In this situation the $2,000 credit goes on line 12a and reduced the tax due by $2,000?

[DanaB]

correct the $2,000 reduce your tax due.