Key Takeaways:
- Schedule 8812 figures out eligibility for certain tax credits.
- The form deals mainly with the Child Tax Credit and the Credit for Other Dependents.
- Dependency rules matter alot when claiming these credits.
- Income levels can affect how much credit you get back.
Understanding What Schedule 8812 Is For
People often wonder, what exactly is schedule 8812? This specific Internal Revenue Service form, you use it when claiming certain important tax credits related to dependents. It primarily focuses on two key credits: the Child Tax Credit and the Credit for Other Dependents. Figuring out who can claim these credits, Schedule 8812 helps with that process. The form, it makes sure you qualify based on rules the IRS has set out. Without this form, claiming those credits ain’t really possible in the right way.
The purpose behind Schedule 8812 connects directly to providing tax relief for families and individuals who support others. Whether its your own child, a relative, or maybe someone else you provide for, this form is involved in calculating the credit amount you may receive. A good place to start understanding its mechanics is right here, delving into what is covered by Schedule 8812. The form asks about your dependents, their ages, and other details necessary for determining eligibility and the potential credit amount. Its a crucial piece of the tax puzzle for many households supporting kids or other qualifying individuals.
Using the form means you are working through the calculations that figure your potential credit. The maximum amounts for the Child Tax Credit and the Credit for Other Dependents, they got rules and limits. Schedule 8812 guides filers step-by-step through these calculations. This form isn’t for every credit imaginable, only specific ones tied to dependents. Knowing this saves you time and ensures you are using the correct paperwork. It is a form designed for a particular job in the tax system, dealing squarely with dependent-related credits and who can get them.
Many taxpayers encounter Schedule 8812 when preparing their annual tax return. It doesnt stand alone; it typically gets filed with your main Form 1040. The information from Schedule 8812 feeds into your overall tax liability or refund amount. Think of it as a calculation sheet specific to dependents that impacts your bottom line. The rules, they can change year to year, so looking at the current version of Schedule 8812 matters alot. It helps ensure you are applying the most up-to-date criteria for claiming credits for your qualifying individuals.
Determining who counts as a qualifying child for the Child Tax Credit versus a qualifying dependent for the Credit for Other Dependents, Schedule 8812 addresses these distinctions. It asks specific questions to classify dependents correctly according to IRS guidelines. This classification is vital because the potential credit amounts and rules differ for the two types of dependents. Without filling out Schedule 8812 accurately, you risk claiming credits incorrectly or maybe missing out on credits you are eligible for. It plays a central role in accurately reporting your dependent situation for tax credit purposes.
Who Needs to File Schedule 8812?
Not everyone filing taxes needs to attach Schedule 8812 to their return; only specific people must use it. Generally speaking, you file Schedule 8812 if you are claiming the Child Tax Credit or the Credit for Other Dependents. If you have a qualifying child or other qualifying dependent that meets the IRS tests for the year, and you intend to claim one of these credits, then this form enters the picture. The form asks about income levels and residency rules, important factors for determining eligibility. It sounds complicated, but the forms instructions help clarify who is required to complete it.
Certain income thresholds also play a role in determining who must file and how much credit they might receive. The credits subject to calculation on Schedule 8812, they can be reduced or eliminated based on your adjusted gross income (AGI). If your income is above certain limits, the form helps calculate the phase-out of the credit. Therefore, even if you have a qualifying dependent, your income might necessitate filing Schedule 8812 to figure the exact amount you are allowed to claim. The form does the math based on what you report.
Sometimes, even if you do not receive the full credit amount because of income limits, you might still need to file Schedule 8812. This happens because the form is the mechanism for calculating *any* amount of these specific credits you are eligible for. You just gotta follow the instructions provided with the form itself to see if your situation requires it. The rules are there to make sure the credits go to those who meet all the specified conditions, not just some of them. Filing Schedule 8812 confirms you meet the criteria and computes the correct benefit amount.
People claiming the additional Child Tax Credit sometimes must file Schedule 8812 as well. This part of the credit, it can be refundable, meaning you might get money back even if you owed no tax. Schedule 8812 handles the calculations for this refundable portion too. If you are unsure if you qualify for the refundable part, filling out the form guides you through that determination. It is designed to cover all aspects of these specific dependent-related credits for which it is intended. You dont want to miss out on a refundable credit if you qualify for it.
The rules about who counts as a dependent, they are central to knowing if you even have a reason to look at Schedule 8812. For instance, claiming an adult child as a dependent has its own set of rules you need to follow. Understanding these dependency tests, like those potentially outlined at claiming an adult child, is foundational before you even get to Schedule 8812. Schedule 8812 assumes you have already determined who your qualifying dependents are based on IRS rules and then helps figure the credit amount. It is like you check dependency first, then use the form to do the credit math for those dependents.
Breakdown of the Child Tax Credit via Schedule 8812
One of the main reasons filers turn to Schedule 8812 is to claim the Child Tax Credit. This credit is available for qualifying children who meet specific age, residency, and relationship tests. The rules for this credit, they are detailed on the form itself and in its instructions. Schedule 8812 walks you through confirming that each child you list meets the criteria to be a qualifying child for this particular credit. It asks for information like their Social Security number, which is required for the Child Tax Credit.
The amount of the Child Tax Credit can vary, and Schedule 8812 helps figure out the maximum amount you could potentially claim per qualifying child. There is a set maximum amount per child that the law allows. However, your income can affect how much of that maximum amount you actually receive. Schedule 8812 takes your income, specifically your adjusted gross income, into account when calculating the credit amount. As income rises above certain levels, the credit begins to phase out. The form includes worksheets or lines to compute this phase-out.
The Child Tax Credit can be partially or fully refundable for some taxpayers. This refundable portion, sometimes called the additional Child Tax Credit, means you could get money back even if you owe no tax liability. Schedule 8812 includes calculations to determine if you qualify for this refundable part and how much it might be. Eligibility for the refundable portion often depends on your earned income. The form guides you through comparing your tax liability, nonrefundable credit amount, and potential refundable amount based on your income figures. It is not always simple, but the form lays out the steps.
Age is a critical factor for the Child Tax Credit. A child must be under a specific age, typically under 17 at the end of the tax year, to be a qualifying child for this credit. Schedule 8812 verifies this age requirement for each child you claim. The form helps you avoid mistakes like trying to claim the Child Tax Credit for a dependent who is too old, which is an easy error to make if you ain’t careful. It ensures only children who meet the age requirement are considered for this particular credit on the form.
Other requirements for the Child Tax Credit include residency and support tests, and Schedule 8812 touches on these too. The child must have lived with you for more than half the year, and you must have provided more than half of their support. While the detailed dependency rules might be found elsewhere, like understanding who counts as a dependent as potentially discussed at claiming an adult child, Schedule 8812 applies the outcome of these tests to determine the credit. The form is the tool for claiming the credit once you know your dependent meets the rules. It pulls together the results of the dependency tests to calculate the final credit amount for your qualifying children.
Examining the Credit for Other Dependents on Schedule 8812
Beyond the Child Tax Credit, Schedule 8812 is also where you calculate and claim the Credit for Other Dependents. This credit is for dependents who do not meet the criteria for the Child Tax Credit. This includes dependents aged 17 or older, as well as certain relatives or even non-relatives who meet specific IRS dependency tests. Schedule 8812 has a section specifically for these other dependents, guiding you through claiming the credit for them. It is a different credit amount compared to the Child Tax Credit.
The maximum amount for the Credit for Other Dependents is less than the Child Tax Credit amount. Schedule 8812 reflects this difference in its calculations. You get a set amount per qualifying dependent under this category. Like the Child Tax Credit, this credit is nonrefundable. This means it can reduce your tax liability down to zero, but you won’t receive any of it back as a refund if the credit amount is more than what you owe. The form helps figure the total amount of this credit based on the number of qualifying other dependents you claim.
Eligibility for the Credit for Other Dependents depends on meeting the general IRS tests for claiming someone as a dependent. These tests cover factors like gross income limits for the dependent, whether you provide more than half their support, the relationship test (or household member test), and that the dependent cannot be a qualifying child for the Child Tax Credit for anyone. Understanding these dependency rules, like how they apply to someone you might support who isn’t your child, is vital. Schedule 8812 relies on you having correctly identified these dependents.
For instance, if you support a parent, a sibling, or maybe even a friend who lives with you and meets the dependency rules, they could qualify for the Credit for Other Dependents. The nuances of who counts as a dependent, including situations potentially involving individuals like adult children who dont qualify for the Child Tax Credit but might still be dependents, are foundational. Resources detailing dependency tests, maybe like the information related to claiming an adult child, provide the groundwork Schedule 8812 builds upon. The form then applies the credit rules to those determined dependents.
Schedule 8812 integrates the calculations for both the Child Tax Credit and the Credit for Other Dependents. It combines the amounts for qualifying children and other dependents to arrive at your total potential credit from these categories. The form’s structure allows you to list both types of dependents and ensures the correct credit amount is attributed to each based on their qualification status. It prevents claiming the wrong credit for the wrong type of dependent, helping ensure accuracy in your tax filing regarding dependents who arent qualifying children for the main Child Tax Credit. This form makes sure you get the correct nonrefundable credit for your non-Child Tax Credit dependents.
How Dependency Rules Affect Schedule 8812 Eligibility
Claiming credits on Schedule 8812 hinges entirely on who you can legally claim as a dependent according to IRS rules. The form itself doesn’t define “dependent” from scratch; it relies on you applying the general dependency tests established by the IRS. There are several tests a person must meet to be your dependent, and failing any one of them means you cant claim them, which in turn means you cant claim the related credits on Schedule 8812 for that person. These rules, they matter alot for this form.
The main tests for dependency include: the joint return test (dependent can’t file jointly unless just to claim a refund), the citizen or resident test, and the not a qualifying child of any other taxpayer test. For someone to be a “qualifying child” for the Child Tax Credit portion of Schedule 8812, they must meet age, residency, support, and relationship tests specific to the qualifying child definition. The age limit, it’s usually under 17 for the Child Tax Credit. If they fail that age test but still meet other dependency rules, they might be an “other dependent.”
For individuals claimed under the Credit for Other Dependents part of Schedule 8812, they must meet the tests for a “qualifying relative.” These tests include the not a qualifying child test, the member of household or relationship test, the gross income test for the dependent, and the support test (you provide more than half their support). The gross income test for a qualifying relative means the dependent’s own gross income must be below a certain amount for the year. Schedule 8812 doesn’t recalculate if they meet these tests, but it requires that they do to be listed.
Understanding the nuances of these dependency tests is foundational to correctly using Schedule 8812. For instance, if you are wondering if you can claim an adult child, the rules are specific and different from claiming a minor child. Information like what is discussed in claiming an adult child is the prerequisite knowledge before you even fill out Schedule 8812 for that person. If your adult child qualifies as a dependent but is too old for the Child Tax Credit, you would consider them for the Credit for Other Dependents section of Schedule 8812.
Schedule 8812 essentially functions as the calculator that applies the credit rules *after* you’ve determined dependency based on the IRS’s broader criteria. It assumes you’ve done the work of confirming each person you list meets either the “qualifying child” or “qualifying relative” tests. Listing someone on Schedule 8812 implies they meet the necessary dependency rules. Incorrectly claiming someone as a dependent means any credits claimed for them via Schedule 8812 would also be incorrect and subject to potential IRS review. Accuracy in determining dependency upfront saves alot of headaches later.
Calculating Credits Using Schedule 8812 Steps
The primary function of Schedule 8812 is to perform the calculations that determine the amount of the Child Tax Credit and the Credit for Other Dependents you can claim. The form is structured with different parts or worksheets for these calculations. You move through the form line by line, providing necessary information like the number of qualifying children and other dependents, their Social Security numbers, and your income figures. It’s a step-by-step process laid out on the official Schedule 8812 form.
For the Child Tax Credit calculation, you start by listing your qualifying children. The form then guides you through figuring the initial potential credit amount based on the number of children. After that, it considers your adjusted gross income (AGI). If your AGI exceeds certain thresholds, the form includes steps to calculate the reduction, or phase-out, of the nonrefundable portion of the credit. This reduction means the initial potential credit amount gets smaller as income goes up past the limit. The forms math makes this clear.
Calculating the refundable portion of the Child Tax Credit is another key step on Schedule 8812 for many taxpayers. This involves comparing your tax liability, the nonrefundable credit amount, and your earned income. The form has specific lines or a worksheet dedicated to figuring out if you qualify for the additional Child Tax Credit and the maximum amount you can claim. This part of the calculation is important because it can result in a refund even if you don’t owe any tax. You just gotta follow the lines and fill in the right numbers.
For the Credit for Other Dependents, the calculation is more straightforward. Schedule 8812 has a separate section where you list these dependents. You multiply the number of qualifying other dependents by the set credit amount per dependent. Since this credit is nonrefundable, the form then figures out how much of this credit you can use to reduce your tax liability, up to the amount of tax you owe. There’s no refundable part for this specific credit, and Schedule 8812 makes that clear in its calculation steps for this section. The form does the sum for you.
Schedule 8812 ultimately brings together the calculated amounts for both credits. It totals the nonrefundable Child Tax Credit and the nonrefundable Credit for Other Dependents to determine the total nonrefundable credit amount from these sources. Then, it adds any calculated refundable Child Tax Credit. The final figure from Schedule 8812 is what gets reported on your main tax form, like Form 1040, affecting your final tax due or refund. The form, it acts as the necessary bridge between your dependents and your final tax figure related to these credits. Completing it accurately ensures the right credit amounts are applied.
Common Issues and Filing Tips for Schedule 8812
Filing Schedule 8812 can sometimes present challenges, leading to common errors. One frequent issue is incorrectly identifying who qualifies as a dependent for either the Child Tax Credit or the Credit for Other Dependents. The rules, they have specific requirements for age, residency, support, and relationship. Failing to meet even one test means the person isn’t a qualifying dependent for the purpose of these credits, yet people still claim them sometimes. Double-checking dependency rules before filling out Schedule 8812 is a crucial first step. This form, it expects you know who counts.
Another common mistake involves income calculations and phase-outs. Schedule 8812 uses your adjusted gross income (AGI) to determine if your credits are reduced. Errors in calculating your AGI on your main tax form will directly impact the accuracy of the credit calculation on Schedule 8812. Ensuring your AGI is correct before transferring it to Schedule 8812 is vital. People might forget income sources or make calculation errors, leading to an incorrect credit amount being claimed, sometimes too high. The forms math, it depends on your numbers being right.
Missing or incorrect Social Security numbers (SSNs) for dependents is also a major red flag for the IRS when claiming credits on Schedule 8812. A valid SSN is required for any dependent claimed for the Child Tax Credit or the Credit for Other Dependents. If you provide an incorrect number or leave it blank, the IRS will deny the credit for that dependent. Making sure you have the correct SSN for each dependent you list on Schedule 8812 is absolutely essential. Without the right SSN, the dependent just don’t count for the credit.
Filing tips to avoid these issues include using tax software, which can guide you through the dependency questions and Schedule 8812 calculations automatically, reducing the chance of math errors or missed requirements. Reading the forms instructions carefully is also important, though they can be dense. If your situation is complex, such as shared custody arrangements affecting who can claim a child, or questions about whether someone truly meets the support test, consulting a tax professional can prevent errors. They see these forms all the time.
Keeping good records is another valuable tip. Documents proving residency, support provided, and the dependent’s income can be necessary if the IRS questions your claim. While you don’t typically submit these records with your return, having them ready if asked makes responding much easier. Schedule 8812 relies on the information you provide being accurate and verifiable. Proper documentation supports the claims you make on the form regarding your dependents and your eligibility for the credits. It is better to have the papers and not need them, than need them and not have them.
Advanced Considerations and Lesser-Known Facts about Schedule 8812
Beyond the basic calculations, Schedule 8812 can involve more complex scenarios, especially concerning residency and shared custody. For instance, if a child lived with each parent for exactly half the year, tie-breaker rules apply to determine who can claim the child as a qualifying child. These rules are detailed in IRS Publication 501, and understanding them is necessary before even attempting to claim the child on Schedule 8812. The form assumes these tie-breaker rules have been correctly applied outside of the form itself. It dont make up the rules, it just uses them.
Another less-known fact pertains to the refundable portion of the Child Tax Credit and how earned income affects it. While the main credit phase-out is based on AGI, the calculation for the additional (refundable) Child Tax Credit often uses a percentage of your earned income above a certain threshold. Schedule 8812 incorporates this calculation. This means taxpayers with lower tax liability but sufficient earned income might still receive a significant refundable credit, something they might not realize without working through Schedule 8812 or using tax software that does it for them. Earned income, it’s a key factor for getting money back.
Military personnel and those living abroad have special rules regarding the residency test for the Child Tax Credit, and Schedule 8812 accounts for this. Certain absences from the home due to military orders or temporary travel might still count as living with the taxpayer for dependency purposes. These exceptions are important for affected taxpayers to know so they can correctly fill out the residency information on Schedule 8812 and claim the credit if they otherwise qualify. The form is flexible for military families.
Changes to tax law can significantly impact Schedule 8812. The rules for the Child Tax Credit and the Credit for Other Dependents have been modified by Congress in the past, affecting credit amounts, refundability, and eligibility requirements. Staying informed about current tax law changes, perhaps through IRS updates or tax professional guidance related to the latest version of Schedule 8812, is crucial. Relying on old knowledge can lead to errors in claiming credits. The forms rules, they can be a moving target some years.
Finally, understanding how Schedule 8812 fits into your overall tax return is a more advanced concept. The credits calculated on Schedule 8812 flow to specific lines on Form 1040. The nonrefundable amounts reduce your tax liability, while the refundable amount is added to any payments made or credits already claimed, potentially increasing your refund. Errors on Schedule 8812 ripple through to the rest of your return. Using the form correctly ensures the final tax calculation on your 1040 is accurate based on your dependent situation. It connects the dots between your family and your tax bill.
Key Updates and Changes Impacting Schedule 8812
Tax laws, they dont stay static, and changes frequently impact forms like Schedule 8812. Historically, the Child Tax Credit has seen notable modifications, affecting eligibility, credit amounts, and refundability. Awareness of the rules specific to the tax year you are filing for is paramount. For instance, expansions to the Child Tax Credit, like those seen in recent years, can significantly alter how the credit is calculated on Schedule 8812, making it available to more people or increasing the per-child amount. Those changes, they make a big difference for families.
One key area of change often relates to the maximum credit amounts for both the Child Tax Credit and the Credit for Other Dependents. These amounts are set by law and can be adjusted. Schedule 8812 incorporates the current years maximums into its calculations. Taxpayers need to use the version of Schedule 8812 for the specific tax year they are filing to ensure the correct maximum credit amounts are applied. Using an outdated form will lead to incorrect calculations. Make sure you got the right year form.
Income phase-out thresholds for the credits calculated on Schedule 8812 can also change. As income rises above these thresholds, the credits are reduced. Updates to tax law sometimes modify where these phase-outs begin or how steeply the credits are reduced. Schedule 8812 uses the current years thresholds in its worksheets. Understanding how your income interacts with these phase-out levels, as calculated on Schedule 8812, is important for knowing your final credit amount. Higher income, it means less credit usually.
Changes to the refundability of the Child Tax Credit have been a major area of focus in tax legislation. The rules determining if and how much of the Child Tax Credit is refundable have varied. Schedule 8812 includes the calculations for determining the refundable portion based on the laws for the specific tax year. For some periods, the credit has been fully refundable, while at other times, it has been partially refundable based on earned income. The form guides you through the current rules for refundability. The refundable part, that’s the bit you can get back even with no tax bill.
Even small adjustments to dependency rules, such as how support is calculated or specific relationship tests, while not directly on Schedule 8812, can impact who you can list on the form. Since Schedule 8812 is dependent on correctly identifying qualifying dependents, any changes to the fundamental definition of a dependent or qualifying child/relative will affect who you can claim credits for using this form. Staying informed about these broader dependency rules, perhaps through resources covering dependency qualifications, is indirectly crucial for accurate Schedule 8812 filing. You gotta know who counts before you list ’em.
Expert Insights on Maximizing Credits with Schedule 8812
Tax experts often emphasize the importance of accurate record-keeping as a primary step before tackling Schedule 8812. They say gathering documentation like Social Security cards for dependents, proof of residency, and records of who provided support throughout the year is non-negotiable. Having these papers organized makes filling out Schedule 8812 smoother and provides necessary support in case of an IRS inquiry. An expert knows that having the info ready prevents alot of hassle.
Another insight from professionals involves carefully applying the dependency tests. They see many errors stemming from misunderstandings about who qualifies. For example, claiming a child who didn’t live with you for more than half the year, or claiming an adult child who provided more than half of their own support. Experts stress reviewing the specific tests for both “qualifying child” and “qualifying relative” before listing anyone on Schedule 8812. They know the rules for things like claiming an adult child are different and must be strictly followed.
Experts also point out that maximizing the refundable Child Tax Credit often depends on accurate reporting of earned income. Schedule 8812 uses your earned income figure in its calculation for the additional Child Tax Credit. Ensuring all eligible earned income is reported correctly on your tax return ensures you calculate the maximum possible refundable amount. Dont leave money on the table by underreporting earned income if it helps your refundable credit. Professionals advise checking all sources of earned income carefully.
Understanding how filing status impacts the income phase-outs on Schedule 8812 is another point experts raise. The AGI thresholds where credits begin to phase out are different for different filing statuses (e.g., Single, Married Filing Jointly, Head of Household). An expert can help you determine the most advantageous filing status, which in turn affects your AGI and how the Schedule 8812 calculations play out. Your filing status, it changes the math on the form.
Finally, experts often recommend using tax software or consulting with a professional, especially when dependency situations are complex or income is close to phase-out thresholds. The calculations on Schedule 8812, while laid out line by line, can still be intricate. Software or a professional minimizes math errors and ensures all applicable rules, including any recent changes, are correctly applied. They can spot things you might miss and help ensure you claim all the credits you are entitled to on Schedule 8812 without making mistakes. Getting it right is their job.
Schedule 8812 Data and Analysis Context
While Schedule 8812 itself is a calculation form, understanding the data behind the credits it calculates provides valuable context. The number of taxpayers claiming the Child Tax Credit and the Credit for Other Dependents represents a significant portion of filings each year. Analysis of IRS data shows millions of families rely on these credits to reduce their tax burden. The forms existence is tied to this widespread use of dependent-related tax benefits. The data shows alot of people got dependents.
Statistical analysis reveals the impact of income levels on the amount of credit received via Schedule 8812. Data indicates that as AGI increases, the average Child Tax Credit amount claimed decreases due to phase-outs calculated on the form. Conversely, data on the refundable portion highlights how it benefits lower to moderate-income families, providing financial assistance even when no tax is owed. This reflects the policy goals behind the refundable part of the credit. The numbers prove the phase-out is real.
Examining data on disallowed credits provides insight into common errors made on Schedule 8812 and related dependency claims. A high percentage of errors involve incorrect Social Security numbers or claiming individuals who do not meet dependency requirements. This data reinforces the critical importance of accurate SSNs and strict adherence to dependency rules, as processed and calculated on Schedule 8812. The IRS sees these errors alot based on their data.
Data on the usage of the Credit for Other Dependents shows its role in providing relief for supporting individuals like parents, adult children not qualifying for the CTC, or other relatives. While perhaps less frequently claimed than the Child Tax Credit, this credit calculated on Schedule 8812 is still a vital support for taxpayers caring for non-child dependents. The data confirms its importance for a distinct group of taxpayers. It helps folk supporting others besides young kids.
Policy analysis often uses data derived from tax filings involving Schedule 8812 to evaluate the effectiveness and reach of the Child Tax Credit and the Credit for Other Dependents. Changes in legislation are often based on projections and analysis of how potential rule modifications will impact the number of eligible taxpayers and the total amount of credits disbursed, all calculated through forms like Schedule 8812. Data drives decisions about these credits and how the form is used. They use the numbers to decide what to do next.
Frequently Asked Questions About Schedule 8812 and What It Is
What is Schedule 8812?
Schedule 8812 is an IRS tax form used by taxpayers to figure the amount of their Child Tax Credit and Credit for Other Dependents. It calculates the amount of credit you qualify for based on your eligible dependents and income.
Who must file Schedule 8812?
You generally file Schedule 8812 if you are claiming the Child Tax Credit or the Credit for Other Dependents for qualifying individuals. The forms instructions detail specific situations requiring it.
Can I claim the Child Tax Credit without Schedule 8812?
No, you must complete and file Schedule 8812 with your tax return (like Form 1040) to claim the Child Tax Credit or the Credit for Other Dependents. The form is needed to calculate your eligibility and amount.
What is the difference between the Child Tax Credit and the Credit for Other Dependents?
The Child Tax Credit is for qualifying children under age 17. The Credit for Other Dependents is for qualifying dependents who do not meet the criteria for the Child Tax Credit, such as older relatives or other qualifying individuals.
Is the Child Tax Credit refundable?
The Child Tax Credit can be partially refundable for some taxpayers as the additional Child Tax Credit. Schedule 8812 is used to figure out if you qualify for the refundable portion and the amount.
Is the Credit for Other Dependents refundable?
No, the Credit for Other Dependents is a nonrefundable credit. It can reduce your tax liability but won’t result in a refund if the credit amount is more than your tax owed.
Do I need a Social Security number for dependents claimed on Schedule 8812?
Yes, you must provide a valid Social Security number for any dependent claimed for the Child Tax Credit or the Credit for Other Dependents on Schedule 8812.
How does my income affect credits on Schedule 8812?
Your adjusted gross income (AGI) can cause the Child Tax Credit and Credit for Other Dependents to be reduced or phased out above certain income levels, as calculated on Schedule 8812.