The IRS releases child tax credit payments on a schedule set each year, not all at once

The Child Tax Credit for 2025 is claimed when you file your 2025 tax return, which you can file starting in late January 2026. The IRS does not send child tax credit money before you file. You receive the credit as a reduction on your tax bill or as a refund if the credit is larger than what you owe — this happens when the IRS processes your return, typically four to six weeks after you file.

If you received advance payments of the child tax credit in prior years (2021 through 2024), those were different. Those were monthly payments sent before tax filing. The advance payment program ended after 2024, so there are no monthly payments coming in 2025. You will only receive the credit by filing your return.

Key Takeaways

  • Child tax credit money for 2025 comes when you file your 2025 tax return in early 2026, not before.
  • The IRS typically processes returns and sends refunds or credits four to six weeks after you file, though this varies by filing method and complexity.
  • Advance monthly payments of the child tax credit ended after 2024 and are not returning in 2025.
  • You must file a return to claim the credit, even if you have no income, because the IRS has no other way to know you have a may have access to child.
  • The credit amount depends on your 2025 income and the number of children under 17 on December 31, 2025.

How the filing timeline works for 2025 tax returns

The IRS begins accepting 2025 tax returns on January 27, 2026. You can file electronically (online or through a tax preparer) or by mail. Electronic filing is faster — the IRS typically processes e-filed returns within 21 days, though refunds can take longer if the return is flagged for review or if you claim certain credits.

If you file by mail, processing takes much longer, often eight to twelve weeks. The IRS recommends filing electronically if you expect a refund or credit. Once your return is processed, the IRS deposits the child tax credit into your bank account (if you provided direct deposit information) or mails a check. Direct deposit is faster, usually arriving within one to two weeks of processing.

If your return is selected for review — which happens randomly or when certain items on the return need verification — the timeline extends. The IRS may ask for documents like birth certificates for your children or proof of your address. Providing these documents quickly helps move the process along.

What changed about child tax credit payments in 2025

From 2021 through 2024, families with children could receive monthly advance payments of the child tax credit, usually $250 to $300 per child per month. These payments were sent automatically to families who had filed a 2020 tax return or registered with the IRS. That program ended on December 31, 2024.

In 2025, there are no monthly advance payments. The full child tax credit is only available when you file your 2025 tax return. This means you will not see any money until you file in early 2026. If you were receiving monthly payments in 2024, you will need to file your 2025 return to claim the credit for 2025.

Congress did not extend the advance payment program, so the structure has returned to how it worked before 2021. The credit amount and income limits for 2025 remain the same as 2024, but you must file to receive it.

Who must file a return to claim the child tax credit

You must file a 2025 tax return if you want to claim the child tax credit, even if you have no income or your income is very low. The IRS does not know you have a may have access to child unless you tell them on a return. Filing is the only way to report your children and claim the credit.

A may have access to child must be under 17 years old on December 31, 2025, be your son, daughter, stepchild, foster child, sibling, or descendant of any of these, live with you for more than half the year, and be a U.S. citizen, national, or resident alien. You must also provide their Social Security number on your return.

If your income is below the filing requirement for your filing status, you still may want to file to claim the child tax credit, because the credit can result in a refund even if you owe no tax. The IRS calls this a refundable credit — it can put money in your pocket beyond reducing what you owe.

Where to file your 2025 return

You can file your 2025 return through the IRS Free File program if your income is below a certain threshold (the limit changes yearly, but is usually around $79,000 for single filers). Free File includes free tax software from IRS-approved providers and free preparation by volunteer tax preparers through VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) sites.

You can also file through a tax preparer or accountant, or use commercial tax software if you prefer to pay. The IRS website (irs.gov) has a tool to find VITA sites near you and lists all Free File partners. Filing electronically is fastest and most reliable for receiving your child tax credit.

If you file by mail, send your return to the address listed in the tax form instructions for your state. Keep a copy for your records and consider using certified mail so you have proof the IRS received it.

What to expect after you file

After you file your return, the IRS sends a confirmation number if you filed electronically. You can check the status of your return using the IRS "Where's My Refund?" tool on irs.gov starting 24 hours after you file. This tool shows whether your return has been received, is being processed, or has been approved.

Once approved, the tool tells you the date your refund or credit will be deposited or mailed. If you chose direct deposit, the money usually arrives within one to two weeks of approval. If you are receiving a check, allow an additional one to two weeks for mailing.

If the IRS needs more information from you, they will mail a letter to the address on your return. Respond to any IRS letter promptly, because delays in providing documents can hold up your refund. The letter will explain exactly what documents or information the IRS needs and how to send it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get the child tax credit before I file my 2025 return?

No. The child tax credit for 2025 is only available when you file your 2025 tax return. There are no advance monthly payments in 2025. You must wait until you file your return in early 2026 to receive the credit.

What if I filed a 2024 return but haven't filed 2025 yet?

Filing your 2024 return does not automatically give you the 2025 child tax credit. You must file a separate 2025 return to claim the credit for 2025. The IRS treats each tax year separately. File your 2025 return as soon as you have the documents you need.

How long does it actually take to get the money after I file?

If you file electronically and choose direct deposit, the IRS typically processes your return within 21 days and deposits your refund within one to two weeks after that — so roughly four to six weeks total. If your return is more complex or is selected for review, it can take longer. Mailed checks take additional time.

What if I don't have a Social Security number for my child?

You must have a valid Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for each child you claim. If your child does not have one, you can apply through the Social Security Administration or the IRS before filing your return. Without a number, you cannot claim the credit.

Do I lose the 2025 child tax credit if I didn't receive advance payments in 2024?

No. Whether or not you received advance payments in 2024 does not affect your right to claim the 2025 child tax credit. You claim it by filing your 2025 return. If you did not file in 2024 or did not register for advance payments, you can still file in 2025 and claim the credit.