Why don't my children qualify for the child tax credit this year? They have always qualified in the past.

[selydic]

TurboTax's AI response says it's because their SSNs are not eligible for employment.

[SharonD007]

Go back and review your entries.  Make sure that you didn't check the box next to their SSNs that says that they are not eligible for employment.  

To edit your dependent in TurboTax:

For TurboTax Online:

1.  Go to the Personal profile screen
2. Under Your Household, select Revisit.  Go through the interview screens and make sure that the box isn't checked Not valid for employment' is printed on Child's Social Security card on the dependent screen.

For TurboTax Desktop:

1. Open your tax return 
2. Select Personal Info
3. Select Edit next to your dependent.

Make sure the box isn't check next to Not valid for employment' is printed on Child's Social Security card.

Other reasons that you may not be receiving the full Child Tax Credit (CTC) credit because of your income.  The maximum amount of the (CTC) is $2,000, and the maximum refundable additional Child Tax Credit is $1,700. To be eligible for the CTC, you must have at least $2,500 of income from working.  The credit is calculated based on the amount you earned above $2,500. Your modified adjust gross income has to be under $400,000 for Married Filing Jointly or Qualified Widower and $200,000 for all other filing statuses.  If you have children that are older than 16 at the end of 2023, they don't qualify you to get the CTC, but you may still be eligible to get the   $500 non-refundable credit for Other Dependents instead.

In addition to the requirements listed above, you child must meet the following eligibility requirements to qualify for the Child Tax Credit.

• Be under 17 by 12/31/2024
• Be related to you (child, stepchild, foster or adopted child, sibling, or descendant of any of them)
• Have a Social Security Number
• Lived with you for more than half of the year
• Be a dependent on your tax return
• Didn't provide for more than half of their expenses
• Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or U.S. resident alien.

For more information, refer to the TurboTax Help articles: 2024 and 2025 Child Tax Credit: Top 7 Requirements, What is the Child Tax Credit?, and What is the Additional Child Tax Credit?

[selydic]

The box! I didn't notice the box the first time around. Thanks so much! This made me and my bank account very relieved.