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Child Tax Credit Phaseout Amounts for 2021

Software reference · Written guide Content date 1 min read

The Child Tax Credit phases out in two steps based on the taxpayer's adjusted gross income (AGI) in 2021. 

Phaseout Step 1: The Child Tax Credit begins to be reduced to $2,000 per child when a taxpayer's modified AGI in 2021 exceeds:

  • $150,000 if married and filing a joint return or if filing as a qualifying widow or widower;
  • $112,500 if filing as head of household; or
  • $75,000 if you are a single filer or are married and filing a separate return.

The first phaseout step reduces the Child Tax Credit to $2,000 per child (instead of the full amount). The credit is reduced by $50 for each $1,000 (or fraction thereof) by which a taxpayer's modified AGI exceeds the income threshold described above.

 

Phaseout Step 2: The Child Tax Credit won’t begin to be reduced below $2,000 per child until your modified AGI in 2021 exceeds:

  • $400,000 if married and filing a joint return; or
  • $200,000 for all other filing statuses.

The second phaseout reduces the Child Tax Credit by $50 for each $1,000 (or fraction thereof) by which a taxpayer's modified AGI exceeds the income threshold described above that is applicable.

 

Additional Information:

Calculation of 2021 Advance Child Tax Credit Payments