Additional Child Tax Credit In Illinois
Illinois residents with qualifying children can claim the federal Additional Child Tax Credit, worth up to $1,700 per child in 2025. This refundable credit benefits families whose Child Tax Credit exceeds their federal income tax liability and is filed using Schedule 8812.
Illinois does not offer a state-level child tax credit, but the state does provide an Earned Income Credit equal to 20 percent of the federal EITC, which can work alongside the ACTC to increase total refunds for lower- and moderate-income families. Illinois also allows a dependent care expense credit on the state return that some families overlook.
Illinois filers should confirm that each qualifying child has a valid Social Security number and meets residency requirements, as these are the most common reasons the ACTC is reduced or denied. Families with self-employment income should also verify their net earnings are accurately calculated, since the ACTC is tied to earned income levels.