Families across the United States may be eligible to receive a $1700 ACTC (Additional Child Tax Credit) refund in 2025. This refundable credit is designed to help low-to-moderate income families with qualifying children. If you meet the eligibility requirements, you could receive this substantial refund as part of your federal tax return. Here’s everything you need to know about eligibility, how to claim it, and how to check your refund status.

What is the ACTC?

The Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) is a refundable portion of the Child Tax Credit (CTC). While the regular CTC is non-refundable (meaning it can only reduce your tax liability), the ACTC allows you to receive money back even if you don’t owe any federal taxes.

For the 2025 tax year, qualifying families could receive up to $1700 per child as part of their refund, depending on their income and tax situation.

Eligibility Criteria for the $1700 ACTC Refund in 2025

To qualify for the ACTC refund in 2025, you must meet the following criteria:

• You must have at least one qualifying child under the age of 17 by the end of the tax year.
• Your child must be a U.S. citizen, national, or resident alien, and have a valid Social Security number.
• You must have earned income of at least $2,500 in the tax year.
• The child must have lived with you for more than half the year.
• You must be eligible for the Child Tax Credit but not be able to claim the full credit because of low tax liability.

How to Claim the $1700 ACTC Refund

Claiming the ACTC is done when you file your federal income tax return. Here’s how:

1. File Form 1040 or 1040-SR for the 2025 tax year.
2. Complete Schedule 8812 (Credits for Qualifying Children and Other Dependents) to calculate the refundable portion of the credit.
3. If you’re eligible, the IRS will include the ACTC in your total tax refund.
4. You can file electronically using tax software, a tax professional, or the IRS Free File program.

ACTC Refund Status Check: How to Track Your Payment

Once you’ve filed your return, you can check the status of your refund:

• Visit the IRS “Where’s My Refund?” tool on their official website.
• You’ll need to provide:
  • Your Social Security Number
  • Your filing status (single, married filing jointly, etc.)
  • The exact refund amount
• You can also use the IRS2Go mobile app to track your refund status.

Note: ACTC refunds may be delayed slightly due to IRS fraud protection reviews. Typically, refunds involving the ACTC will be issued no earlier than mid-February.

Final Thought

The $1700 ACTC refund in 2025 is a valuable benefit for families who need financial support. Ensuring you’re eligible and filing correctly can help you receive the full amount without delays. If you’re unsure about eligibility or need help filing, consult a qualified tax professional or use the IRS’s online tools for assistance.

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