The Child Tax Credit (CTC), Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC), and Credit for Other Dependents (ODC) are structured differently under IRC §24 and Schedule 8812 (Form 1040) for tax year 2025.
Child Tax Credit (CTC)
- The CTC is a partially refundable credit
- It first reduces your federal income tax liability dollar-for-dollar
- Any remaining unused portion may generate a refund only through the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) mechanism, if you meet eligibility requirements
Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC)
- The ACTC is a fully refundable credit. It is designed to refund the portion of the CTC that exceeds the taxpayer’s tax liability.
- It is calculated by subtracting the nonrefundable portion of the CTC (line 14 on Schedule 8812) from the total CTC (line 12). If line 12 > line 14, the difference is the ACTC (line 16a on Schedule 8812).
- The ACTC is reported on Form 1040, line 28 (or equivalent on Form 1040-SR or 1040-NR).
Credit for Other Dependents (ODC)
- The ACTC is the refundable portion of the Child Tax Credit
- It is available only when the allowable CTC exceeds your federal income tax liability
- Refundability is limited under IRC §24, generally based on earned income thresholds and statutory percentage rules
- The ACTC is calculated on Schedule 8812 and is reported on Form 1040, Schedule 3, line 6d (or equivalent line on 1040-SR/1040-NR)
Important Conditions
- SSN Requirement (CTC/ACTC): A valid Social Security Number issued before the due date of the return (including extensions) is required for each qualifying child
- For joint returns, at least one spouse must have a valid SSN
- ODC does not require an SSN for the taxpayer in the same way, but each dependent must have an SSN, ITIN, or ATIN as applicable
- Taxpayers filing Form 2555 (Foreign Earned Income Exclusion) are not eligible for ACTC
- Certain other credits may require limitation worksheets under Schedule 8812 (Credit Limit Worksheet A or B)
Source:
Schedule 8812 (Form 1040)
Form 1040 Schedule 3 - Additional Credits and Payments (2025)
Disclaimer: Always verify with current Federal or State Department of Revenue Forms and Instructions. This guidance is based on IRS publications and form instructions for tax year 2025. For complex situations, consult a CPA or tax attorney.