The Child Tax Credit (CTC) has increased in 2025, providing a larger refund opportunity for qualifying families. Whether you are filing for the first time, have missed claiming the credit in previous years, or are an American living abroad unaware of this benefit, there are still ways to claim the refund. Here’s what you need to know about eligibility, claiming procedures, and deadlines.
What’s New for the Child Tax Credit in 2025?
The Child Tax Credit has been expanded for 2025, meaning parents can now receive a larger refund per qualifying child. For tax year 2024, the credit is worth up to $2,000 per qualifying child, with up to $1,700 of that being refundable under the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC). This means even if you owe no taxes, you could still receive a refund.
Key eligibility criteria include:
- The child must be under 17 at the end of the tax year.
- The child must have a valid Social Security Number (SSN).
- The child must be your dependent and live with you for at least half the year.
- You must have earned income to qualify for the refundable portion of the credit
How to Claim the Child Tax Credit Refund
If you are filing your tax return for the first time or were previously unaware of this credit, follow these steps to claim your refund:
- File a Tax Return – Even if you are not required to file due to low income, submitting Form 1040 and Schedule 8812 is necessary to claim the Child Tax Credit and any refundable portion.
- Provide Your Child’s SSN – The IRS requires a valid SSN for the child to qualify for the credit.
- Meet the Earned Income Requirement – To receive the refundable portion (ACTC), you must have at least $2,500 in earned income.
- Use IRS Free File or a Tax Professional – If you need assistance, IRS Free File or tax professionals specializing in US expat tax matters can help ensure you claim all eligible refunds.
Can Americans Living Abroad Claim the Child Tax Credit Refund?
Yes, American citizens living abroad can claim the Child Tax Credit, but there are some limitations:
- If you claim the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE), you are not eligible for the refundable portion of the credit.
- If you do not use FEIE, you can claim the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) and receive a refund if you meet the income and eligibility requirements.
- You must file Form 1040 and include Schedule 8812 to claim the credit.
Can You Claim a Child Tax Credit Refund for Previous Years?
If you missed claiming the Child Tax Credit in previous years, you can still file an amended return for up to three years from the original due date to claim a refund. This means that in 2024, you can still claim refunds for 2021, 2022, and 2023 if you were eligible but did not file.
To do so:
- Obtain a copy of your prior-year tax return.
- Complete Form 1040-X (Amended US Individual Income Tax Return).
- Submit the amended return electronically or by mail.
Deadline to Claim the Child Tax Credit Refund
For those who did not file a return in a prior year but were eligible for the credit, the IRS allows a three-year window to claim a refund. The deadline for claiming past refunds is:
- 2021 tax year refund: Deadline is April 15, 2025
- 2022 tax year refund: Deadline is April 15, 2026
- 2023 tax year refund: Deadline is April 15, 2027
After these deadlines, unclaimed refunds are forfeited to the US Treasury.
The increased Child Tax Credit refund in 2025 provides valuable financial support to families. Whether you are regularly filing or an American abroad who was unaware of these benefits, it’s not too late to claim what you’re owed.
If you have not filed your taxes in past years, you can still claim refunds for up to three years—but the deadlines are approaching. Make sure to file your tax returns as soon as possible to take advantage of these expanded benefits.
