Minnesota Child Tax Credit
Last updated August 2026
Minnesota's Child Tax Credit is the most generous state child tax credit in the country: $1,750 per qualifying child, with no cap on the number of children. A family with four young kids can claim it for all four. Since tax year 2023, this has been real money that too many eligible families leave unclaimed.
It is fully refundable, which is the heart of it. Families receive the credit as a refund even with no state tax liability. So a low-income parent who owes nothing still gets the full $1,750 per child back, not a reduction to zero.
A qualifying child must be age 17 or younger. Children over 17 may instead qualify for a separate Credit for Qualifying Older Children, so an aging-out teen does not necessarily end the benefit; it may just shift.
The credit phases out at higher incomes, beginning at $31,950 for single filers or $37,910 for married filing jointly. The full phase-out point rises with family size, so larger families keep the credit further up the income scale. Most working families with young children qualify for at least part of it.
You claim it by completing Schedule M1DQC, which lists your dependents and qualifying children, plus Schedule M1CWFC, the combined Minnesota Child and Working Family Credits schedule, with your state return. The Working Family Credit rides on that same schedule, so claim both.
There is a cash-flow option worth knowing: filers can elect advance payments, receiving part of next year's Child Tax Credit in three payments before they file. Free filing help is available through VITA sites in season; dial 2-1-1 to find one.
Updated August 2026 Program details can change — confirm with the program directly.
Who qualifies
- Minnesota residents with a qualifying child under 18; the full credit is $1,750 per child and begins to phase out above $31,950 in income, or $37,910 if married filing jointly
- You file a Minnesota income tax return and complete Schedule M1CWFC; you can also choose to receive part of next year's credit as advance payments
You may qualify. The program makes the final decision.
How to apply
- 1
File your Minnesota income tax return, even if your income is low; the credit is refundable.
- 2
Complete Schedule M1DQC to list your qualifying children (age 17 or younger).
- 3
Claim the credit on Schedule M1CWFC, alongside the Working Family Credit.
- 4
Consider electing advance payments to receive part of the credit before filing.
What the application looks like
Common questions
How much is Minnesota's Child Tax Credit?
$1,750 per qualifying child, with no cap on the number of children. It is the nation's largest state child tax credit and is fully refundable.
Do I get it if I owe no tax?
Yes. It is fully refundable, so families receive it as a refund even with no state tax liability.
Which children qualify?
A qualifying child must be age 17 or younger. Children over 17 may qualify for a separate Credit for Qualifying Older Children.
Can I get part of it before I file?
Yes. Filers can elect advance payments, receiving part of next year's Child Tax Credit in three payments before filing.
How do I claim it?
Complete Schedule M1DQC for your qualifying children, then claim the credit on Schedule M1CWFC with your Minnesota return.
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