Between school schedules, groceries and childcare bills, family life gives you plenty to keep track of. Tax credits shouldn’t feel like another mystery you have to solve on your own.

You may have heard that the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, often shortened to OBBBA, changed some family tax benefits. It did, but not every change begins in the same tax year. A return for 2026 income is generally filed in 2027. Keeping that distinction in mind helps when you read a headline about a “2026 change.”

Here are several common credits worth discussing, along with the details to bring.

First, what does a credit do?

A tax credit reduces the tax you owe. A deduction reduces the income used to calculate tax. Some credits are refundable, meaning an eligible person may receive a benefit even when the credit exceeds their tax bill. Others can only reduce the bill. IRS credits and deductions

That is why “up to” matters. The advertised maximum isn’t automatically the amount every family receives.

Child Tax Credit: more than just a child’s age

The federal Child Tax Credit helps families with qualifying children. For tax year 2025, OBBBA increased the maximum to $2,200 per qualifying child. The child’s age, relationship, residence, support and your income all affect eligibility. A qualifying child is generally under 17 at year-end. IRS family tax benefits

Social Security number requirements also apply to the qualifying child and to you, or your spouse on a joint return. A portion may be refundable through the Additional Child Tax Credit when its separate requirements are met. Child Tax Credit requirements

If your child turned 17, moved between households or started supporting themselves, mention it. Don’t assume last year’s answer still applies.

Earned Income Tax Credit: worth checking

The Earned Income Tax Credit can help eligible workers with low or moderate income. The amount depends on earned income, filing status and qualifying children; some workers without children can qualify too. It is refundable, subject to its eligibility requirements. IRS EITC guidance

Bring income information from every job, including self-employment. Household and identification details matter as well, so explain any changes rather than assuming you qualify or don’t qualify.

Childcare: why you paid for care matters

The Child and Dependent Care Credit may apply when you pay for qualifying care so you, and generally your spouse, can work or look for work. Children are generally under 13 when care is provided; certain people unable to care for themselves can also qualify. IRS care-credit guidance

Beginning with tax year 2026, the maximum credit rate rises to 50% of eligible expenses, with the actual rate depending on income. Eligible expense limits are generally $3,000 for one qualifying person or $6,000 for two or more—not a promise of a $3,000 or $6,000 credit. Employer-provided care benefits affect the calculation. 2026 changes · Expense limits

Save provider details, payment records and any employer dependent-care benefit information.

New York families have another credit to review

The Empire State child credit has separate rules. For tax years 2026 and 2027, the maximum is $1,000 for an eligible child under four and $500 for an eligible child aged four through sixteen. Income and other eligibility requirements affect the result. New York enacted changes

It deserves its own review on a New York return, even when you have already discussed the federal credit.

Have a college student in the family?

Ask about the American Opportunity Tax Credit and Lifetime Learning Credit. Eligibility, expenses and income limits differ, and the same student can’t receive both credits for the same year. Bring tuition statements and scholarship information. IRS education credits

Start with your family’s real-life details

Bring children’s identifying information, income forms, childcare records and notes about household changes. Use our secure Client Portal for sensitive documents.

For Buffalo and Western New York families, we can explain which benefits fit your situation and the tax year being filed. Request a Free Consult to start with the questions that matter to your household.

You don’t have to figure this out alone

You don’t have to calculate these credits or figure out eligibility on your own. At Ziggy’s Tax Advantage, we handle the calculations and carefully review the credits and deductions your family qualifies for. We help you claim every dollar you’re entitled to, so tax paperwork can take up less of your family’s time and worry.