Quick Answer
15 states plus DC offer their own child tax credits or similar benefits, ranging from $50 to $1,000+ per child. California leads with up to $1,083 per child under 6, while states like Colorado, Connecticut, and New Mexico offer credits worth $300-$600 per qualifying child annually.
Best Answer
Robert Kim, Tax Return Analyst
Parents with qualifying children who want to maximize both federal and state child tax credits
Which states offer child tax credits?
As of 2026, 15 states plus the District of Columbia offer their own child tax credits or similar benefits beyond the federal $2,000 Child Tax Credit. According to the Tax Policy Center, these state credits can add $50 to $1,083 per child to your annual tax refund, but many families miss them because they're not automatic.
These state credits work independently of the federal credit, meaning you can claim both. The state credit calculations often mirror federal rules but may have different income limits, age requirements, or credit amounts.
Example: California Young Child Tax Credit calculation
Family scenario: Married filing jointly, $75,000 income, two children (ages 3 and 8)
Federal Child Tax Credit:
California Young Child Tax Credit (2026):
Combined benefit: $5,083 ($1,083 more than federal alone)
State child tax credit comparison
Key differences from federal credit
Income limits vary significantly:
Age requirements differ:
Refundability matters:
States with NO child tax credit
35 states don't offer state child tax credits:
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming.
However, some of these states offer other family benefits like dependent exemptions or childcare credits.
What you should do
1. Check your state tax form for child-related credits during filing
2. Don't assume automatic calculation — many tax software programs miss state credits
3. Gather required documentation: Social Security numbers, birth certificates, childcare receipts
4. File even if you don't owe state taxes — refundable credits can generate refunds
5. Consider timing — some credits have different qualification dates than federal
[Use our refund estimator](refund-estimator) to calculate your potential state and federal child tax credit benefits.
Key takeaway: 15 states offer child tax credits worth $50-$1,083 per child beyond the federal $2,000 credit, but you must specifically claim them on your state return.
*Sources: [IRS Publication 972](https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p972.pdf), [Tax Policy Center State Tax Analysis](https://www.taxpolicycenter.org/briefing-book/what-are-child-tax-credits)*
Key Takeaway: 15 states offer child tax credits worth $50-$1,083 per child beyond the federal $2,000 credit, but you must specifically claim them on your state tax return.
State child tax credit amounts and eligibility by state
| State | Credit Amount | Age Limit | Income Limit (MFJ) | Refundable? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | Up to $1,083 | Under 6 | $75,000 | Yes |
| Colorado | $1,200 | Under 6 | $85,000 | Yes |
| Connecticut | $300 | Under 17 | $200,000 | No |
| Idaho | $205 | Under 17 | No limit | No |
| Maine | $300 | Under 17 | Varies | Partial |
| Maryland | Up to $500 | Under 17 | $75,000 | No |
| Massachusetts | $180-$400 | Under 17 | $75,000 | No |
| New Mexico | $600 | Under 17 | No limit | Yes |
| New York | Up to $330 | Under 17 | $150,000 | Yes |
| Oklahoma | $1,000 | Under 17 | $100,000 | Yes |
| Vermont | $1,000 | Under 6 | $125,000 | Yes |
More Perspectives
Robert Kim, Tax Return Analyst
Grandparents or older adults who may be eligible for child tax credits if they're supporting qualifying children
Can grandparents claim state child tax credits?
Yes, if you're a grandparent (or other relative) who provides primary support for a qualifying child, you may be eligible for both federal and state child tax credits. According to the Census Bureau, about 2.9 million grandparents are primary caregivers for grandchildren, and many don't realize they qualify for these valuable credits.
Qualifying child requirements for grandparents:
Example calculation for Colorado:
Grandparent with custody of 4-year-old grandchild, $45,000 retirement income:
Special considerations for senior caregivers
Many senior caregivers miss these credits because they assume only parents qualify. If you're raising a grandchild or other relative, investigate both state and federal child tax credit eligibility.
Key takeaway: Grandparents and other relatives raising children can claim state child tax credits if they meet qualifying child requirements, often totaling $2,000-$4,000+ per child.
Key Takeaway: Grandparents and relatives who are primary caregivers can claim state child tax credits worth $2,000-$4,000+ per qualifying child if they meet support and residency requirements.
Sources
- IRS Publication 972 — Child Tax Credit and Credit for Other Dependents
- Tax Policy Center — State Child Tax Credit Analysis
Reviewed by Robert Kim, Tax Return Analyst on February 28, 2026
This content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional tax advice. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice specific to your situation.