You're not supposed to get back all of the tax that you paid through withholding or estimated tax payments. You have to pay tax to the government to pay for government services.
From the figures you gave, it looks like the total tax you have to pay for 2024 is $5,507. The $2,000 child tax credit reduces that to $3,507. You paid $4,478 in advance, so you get a refund of $4,478 - $3,507, which is $971. The government keeps the $3,507.
You're not supposed to get back all of the tax that you paid through withholding or estimated tax payments. You have to pay tax to the government to pay for government services.
From the figures you gave, it looks like the total tax you have to pay for 2024 is $5,507. The $2,000 child tax credit reduces that to $3,507. You paid $4,478 in advance, so you get a refund of $4,478 - $3,507, which is $971. The government keeps the $3,507.
The $2000 CTC is used first to pay towards your tax liability. Once your liability is at zero, the rest of the refundable portion can be added to your refund and will be shown on line 28 of your Form 1040.
Look at your 2024 Form 1040 to see the child-related credits you received
PREVIEW 1040
Child Tax Credit line 19
Credit for Other Dependents line 19
Earned Income Credit line 27
Additional Child Tax Credit line 28