December Child Tax Credit 2025: Families across the United States have long relied on the Child Tax Credit (CTC) to ease the financial burden of raising children. In December 2025, parents are once again looking for updates on eligibility, payment dates, and how the credit affects their year-end tax planning.
What is the December Child Tax Credit?
The Child Tax Credit is a federal benefit designed to help parents reduce their tax liability or receive extra refunds. While advance monthly payments were part of the expanded 2021 CTC, the 2025 version returns to the traditional annual format — no monthly payments are scheduled for December.
However, December is a crucial month for planning your year-end tax return and ensuring you qualify for the full CTC amount when you file in early 2026.
How Much is the Child Tax Credit in 2025?
As of 2025, the Child Tax Credit is structured as follows:
- Up to $2,000 per qualifying child under age 17
- Up to $1,700 refundable if you owe no tax (known as the Additional Child Tax Credit)
- Income phase-out begins at:
- $400,000 for married filing jointly
- $200,000 for single or head of household
Important December Deadlines for the CTC
Although no direct payment is issued in December 2025, here are actions to take this month:
- Review your 2025 income to ensure eligibility
- Update dependent information if a child was born or adopted in 2025
- Gather necessary documents for your 2025 tax return
- File before the April 15, 2026 deadline to claim the full credit
December Child Tax Credit eligibility?
To be eligible for the full Child Tax Credit:
- The child must be under 17 at the end of 2025
- You must claim the child as a dependent on your tax return
- The child must be a U.S. citizen, national, or resident alien
- They must have lived with you for more than half the year
- You must have a Social Security Number for both you and the child
How to Claim the Credit
The Child Tax Credit is claimed when you file your federal tax return:
- Complete Form 1040 or 1040-SR
- Attach Schedule 8812 to calculate the credit amount
- Enter the total credit on your tax return
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Claiming a child who doesn’t meet age or residency requirements
- Using outdated tax software that doesn’t apply 2025 credit rules
- Missing out on the refund by not filing even if your income is low
Summary: December 2025 CTC Quick Facts
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Monthly Payment | Not available |
| Annual Credit Amount | Up to $2,000 per child |
| Refundable Portion | Up to $1,700 |
| Age Limit | Under 17 |
| Deadline to Claim | April 15, 2026 |
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FAQs About December Child Tax Credit
Q1. Is there a December 2025 payment for Child Tax Credit?
No. The 2025 credit is available only as a lump sum during tax filing in 2026.
Q2. Can I claim the credit if I had a baby in December 2025?
Yes. As long as the baby has a Social Security Number and meets other criteria, you can claim them.
Q3. Is the Child Tax Credit refundable in 2025?
Partially. Up to $1,700 can be refunded even if you owe no taxes.
Q4. What if I didn’t earn income in 2025?
You may still qualify for the Additional Child Tax Credit if you meet other criteria. Be sure to file.
Q5. Will advance CTC payments return in 2026?
As of now, no legislation has passed to resume monthly advance payments.
