The Child Tax Credit for this tax year is worth up to $2,200 per qualifying child. But many families are unaware of one of the most important rules affecting mixed-status households.
If the parents (husband, wife, or both) do NOT have a valid Social Security Number (SSN), they do NOT qualify for the $2,200 Child Tax Credit.
It does NOT matter if:
- The child has a valid SSN
- The child meets every requirement
- You have claimed the credit in past years
- You have lived in the U.S. for years
- You file taxes every year with an ITIN
****If the parents filing the tax return do not have valid SSNs, the IRS will automatically deny the Child Tax Credit for that child.****
Why does this happen?
The law requires that:
- The child must have a valid SSN, AND
- The taxpayer(s) claiming the credit must also have valid Social Security Numbers
If either spouse is filing with an ITIN IRS considers the household ineligible for the $2,200 Child Tax Credit.
This rule was strengthened again this year and is being strictly enforced.
Examples of Who Will NOT Qualify
Case 1: One spouse has ITIN, the other has SSN
- Husband: ITIN
- Wife: SSN
- Child: SSN
Result: NO Child Tax Credit.
Case 2: Both parents have ITINs
- Husband: ITIN
- Wife: ITIN
- Child: SSN
Result: NO Child Tax Credit.
Case 3: Parent files with ITIN and tries to claim the child alone
Even if the other spouse has an SSN, filing separately does NOT fix it.
Result: Still NO Child Tax Credit.
How Families Should Prepare NOW
Because many families depend on their refund each year, losing a $2,200 credit per child can cause a big financial shock.
Here are the steps families should take to avoid surprises:
Adjust Your Withholding With Your Employer
If you expect to lose the Child Tax Credit, you may need to increase the amount your employer withholds from your paycheck.
What to do
– Submit a new W-4 Form to your employer
– Reduce your allowances or choose “extra withholding”
– Ask HR or payroll to help you adjust the correct boxes
– If both spouses work, both need to adjust their withholding
Why this matters
Without the Child Tax Credit, your refund may be smaller or disappear completely. Increasing withholding now helps prevent:
- Large unexpected tax bills
Start Saving a Small Amount Each Month
Losing $2,200 per child can feel overwhelming.
But saving money can create a cushion for tax time.
– Create a dedicated “tax savings” envelope or bank sub-account
– Set up automatic weekly or bi-weekly transfers
– Cut 1–2 small expenses and redirect them into savings
Even small amounts add up.
Plan Ahead With a Tax Professional
Mixed-status families face complicated rules.
Meeting with a professional early can help you:
- Run a tax projection
- Calculate how much you might owe
- Adjust your W-4 correctly
- Avoid surprise bills
- Understand what credits you still qualify for
