Child Tax Credit (CTC) & Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Introduction

​​​​​The Federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) helps hard-working employees get a tax break. This is a refundable credit for qualified taxpayers with income at or under the threshold determined by the IRS. Use the IRS EITC Assistant to help see if you qualify. 

The Federal Child Tax Credit helps families with qualifying children get a tax break. You may be able to claim the credit even if you aren't normally required to file a tax return. Use the IRS Child Tax Credit Assistant to see if your children qualify.
 

NOTICE! The Colorado Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) will be reduced in Tax Year 2026 (calendar year 2027). This refundable credit supports resident individuals, including those who qualify for the federal credit and those without a work-eligible Social Security number. The credit was 50% of the federal EITC amount for Tax Years 2024 and 2025, but will be reduced to 25% in Tax Year 2026. These changes mean your tax refund may be smaller than it was for prior tax years. The Taxation Division wants to help you plan your family budget early so you face no surprises when you file your 2026 income taxes in calendar year 2027.

The Colorado Child Tax Credit helps Colorado families with children under age 6 and income at or under the annual threshold. You can receive the credit as a refund even if you owe no state income tax. Use the Colorado Child Tax Credit & Family Affordability Tax Credit Assistant to see if you qualify.

NOTICE! The State must temporarily pause the Family Affordability Tax Credit for tax year 2026 (filed in 2027). The tax credit is turned off in years where revenue projections fall below a threshold growth rate and resumes when projections anticipate revenues will exceed that rate. These changes mean your tax refund may be smaller than it was for prior tax years. The Taxation Division wants to help you plan your family budget early so you face no surprises when you file your 2026 income taxes in calendar year 2027.