Child tax credit amount

[Lakedra804]

Hi I had a question on why I am only receiving $89 child tax credit for 2 kids this year, I’m not sure if it’s because I worked less this past year and did more 1099 self employed worked versus w-2 employment, but it seems like because I made less I am getting less tax credit for the kids, is that correct because that doesn’t seem right to me, you would think I would get more for making less money, idk if I did something wrong but it has never been that low when I file my taxes, I appreciate the help if someone can help me understand this

[Hal_Al]

 Q. It seems like because I made less I am getting less tax credit for the kids, is that correct?

A. Yes.

The child tax credit  (CTC) is limited to your tax liability. The CTC is a non-refundable credit and can only reduce your income tax to 0, It can not help you beyond eliminating your tax liability. But, if you have more than $2500 of earned income, some or all of it is usually given back to you thru the "Additional Child tax credit". That is, part of the CTC may be on line 28 of form 1040 (2021- 2023) instead of line 19. The  ACTC is calculated on form 8812 and  is basically 15% of your earned income over $2500. The ACTC is a maximum of $1600 (2023) ($1500 for 2022) per child, not $2000.

[Lakedra804]

Ok thank you