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A refundable tax credit is a credit you can get as a refund even if you don't owe any tax.
Tax credits are amounts you subtract from your bottom-line tax due when you file your tax return. Most tax credits can reduce your tax only until it reaches $0. Refundable credits go beyond that to give you any remaining credit as a refund.
That's why it's best to file taxes even if you don't have to. Many people who qualify for refundable credits miss out on refunds because they don't file.
See if you qualify for these refundable tax credits.
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
To qualify, you must have under $11,950 in investment income and earn less than a specific income level from working. The income level ranges from: $19,104 if you’re single with no children to $68,675 if you’re married filing jointly with 3 or more children. For more details, see Earned Income Tax Credit.
Use the EITC Assistant to see whether you qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit.
Child Tax Credit (CTC) - partially refundable
If you have a child, you may be eligible for the Child Tax Credit. For 2025, the credit is up to $2,200 per qualifying child. To qualify, you (or your spouse, if married filing jointly,) and each qualifying child must have a Social Security number that is valid for employment in the United States and issued before the due date of the tax return (including extensions). Additionally, a child must:
- Be under age 17 at the end of 2025,
- Be claimed as a dependent on your tax return, and
- Meet other criteria.
A portion of the Child Tax Credit is refundable for 2025. This portion is called the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC). For 2025, up to $1,700 per qualifying child may be refundable.
For more details, see Child Tax Credit.
American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC) - partially refundable
If you paid qualified education expenses for an eligible college student, you may be able to claim the American Opportunity Credit up to $2,500 per year. Up to $1,000 of the American Opportunity Tax Credit is refundable.
Your modified adjusted gross income must be $90,000 or less ($180,000 or less for married filing jointly) to claim the credit.
Premium Tax Credit
If you buy health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace and meet other criteria, you may be able to claim the Premium Tax Credit. This is a refundable credit based on your income and the cost of your healthcare plan.
Adoption Tax Credit – partially refundable
If you finalized an adoption in 2025 or started the adoption process prior to 2025, you may qualify for the Adoption credit to help offset reasonable and necessary expenses you paid. The aggregate maximum Adoption Credit is $17,280 per qualifying child for tax year 2025. If your tax liability is zero, the maximum refundable portion is up to $5,000 and cannot be carried forward.
For more details, see Adoption Credit.
Fuel Tax Credit
If you purchase fuel used for off-highway business and farming purposes, you may be able to claim the Fuel Tax Credit (FTC). This is a refundable tax credit available for eligible types of use.