New York Child Tax Credit Expanded in 2026 | What Families Need to Know

"Tax season is here, and for New York City parents, it might come with some good news. Governor Kathy Hochul announced Monday that New York State is expanding its child tax credit, giving many families access to more money back at tax time. This update raises the credit to up to $1,000 per qualifying child under age four. The expanded credit applies to this year's 2026 filing season for the 2025 tax year."

"The ESCC is a refundable tax credit, which means it can lower your tax bill, or come back to you as cash in a refund, even if you don't owe much (or anything) in taxes. Families can receive the full credit if their income is below $75,000 for single filers or heads of household, and $110,000 for married couples filing jointly. Those with qualifying children ages four through sixteen can also receive up to $330 per child this tax year."

"Passed in 2025, the expansion removes barriers that blocked some lower-income families from receiving the full credit and opens the door for more middle-class households to qualify. "Now, after the largest expansion of the credit in New York history, more New Yorkers have access to the credit than ever, which will put money directly in families' pockets and help make our state more affordable for millions of recipients," Governor Hochul said."

New York increased the Empire State Child Credit to as much as $1,000 per qualifying child under age four for the 2025 tax year, claimed in the 2026 filing season. The expansion represents the largest increase in the program's history and aims to deliver cash refunds to families. The ESCC is refundable, so eligible households can receive the credit as a refund even if they owe little or no state income tax. Full credit eligibility applies to single filers and heads of household with incomes under $75,000, and to married couples filing jointly with incomes under $110,000. Children ages four through sixteen qualify for up to $330 per child this year. Filing a New York State tax return is required to claim the credit.

Read at New York Family