Eligibility Requirements for the child tax credit 

Eligibility is determined by two components: Child eligibility and parent eligibility

1. A Qualifying child for this credit is someone who meets the qualifying criteria of six tests: age, relationship, support, dependent, citizenship, and residence:

 Age Test: your child must be under the age of 17 at the end of the tax year

 Relationship Test: your child must be of sufficient familial proximity according to IRS definition.

 Support Test: parental financial support for your child must be higher than 50%.

 Citizenship Test: your child must be a U.S citizen or U.S resident with a SSN

 Dependent: your child must be defined as a “dependent” on your tax return.

 Residence Test: your child must  be living with you for more than six months of the relevant tax year.

2. Parental eligibility is determined by several criteria and restrictions:

The parent (or family unit) must have a minimum income of 3000$ from work. Please note that when calculated by the IRS,  you will not be eligible for the full 1000$ refund with this level of income.

The amount of the credit gradually Phases out if your annual income (AGI) is higher than the maximal income matched with your filing status:

 Married filing jointly: The credit is reduced if your income is higher than 110,000$.

 Single/head of household: the credit is reduced if your income is higher than 75,000$.

 Married filing separately: the credit is reduced if your income is higher than 55,000$.

For exact eligibility criteria based on income, number of children and filing status click HERE

For full eligibility criteria  from the IRS website click HERE