Changes to Benefits for Dependents.

Deduction for personal exemptions are suspended. For 2018, you can’t claim a personal exemption deduction for yourself, your spouse, or your dependents.

Child Tax Credit and Additional Child Tax Credit. For 2018, the maximum credit increased to $2,000 per qualifying child. Up to $1,400 of the credit can be refundable for each qualifying child as the additional child tax credit. In addition, the income threshold at which the child tax credit begins to phase out is increased $400,000 if married filing jointly and $200,000 for all other taxpayers.

Credit for Other Dependents. A new credit of up to $500 is available for each of your qualifying dependents other than children who can be claimed for the child tax credit. The qualifying dependent must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or U.S. resident alien. The credit is calculated with the child tax credit in the form instructions. The total of both credits is subject to a single phase out when adjusted gross income exceeds $400,000 if married filing jointly and $200,000 for all other taxpayers. This means that you may be able to claim this credit if you have children age 17 or over, including college students, children with ITINs, or other older relatives in your household.

Social Security Number Required for Child Tax Credit. Beginning with Tax Year 2018, your child must have a Social Security Number issued by the Social Security Administration before the due date of your tax return (including extensions) to be claimed as a qualifying child for the Child Tax Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit. Children with an ITIN can’t be claimed for either credit. If your child’s immigration status has changed so that your child is now a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, but the child’s social security card still has the words “Not valid for employment” on it, ask the SSA for a new social security card without those words. If your child doesn’t have a valid SSN, your child may still qualify you for the Credit for Other Dependents. This is a non-refundable credit of up to $500 per qualifying person. If your dependent child lived with you in the United States and has an ITIN, but not an SSN, issued by the due date of your 2018 return (including extensions), you may be able to claim the new Credit for Other Dependents for that child.

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