The Child Tax Credit is a federal tax benefit that provides financial support for American taxpayers with children under the age of 17. The credit amount was increased for 2021 by the American Rescue Plan, from $2,000 to $3,600 for qualifying children under age 6, and $3,000 for other qualifying children under age 18. The credit is nonrefundable, but some taxpayers may be eligible for a partial refund of up to $1,600 through the additional child tax credit when they file in 2024. The credit is broken up into monthly payments, which means payments of up to $300 per child under age 6 and $250 per child ages 6 to 17. To qualify for the Child Tax Credit, the child must be under age 17 at the end of the year, have a valid Social Security number, and meet all four tests for a qualifying child. The tests include the relationship test, age test, residency test, and support test. Families who normally aren’t required to file an income tax return can use the Non-Filers Tool to register quickly for the expanded and newly-advanceable Child Tax Credit from the American Rescue Plan.