Child tax credit in Maine
Varies
Does Maine Have a Child Tax Credit?
Short answer: Yes: Dependent Exemption Tax Credit: roughly $315 per dependent for 2026 ($300 base, inflation-indexed; $305 in 2025), doubled to about $630 for each child under 6. Reduced by $20 per $500 of Maine AGI above $100,000 single, $125,000 head of household, or $150,000 joint. Refundable for residents and part-year residents.
Child care: 25% of the federal child and dependent care credit, or 50% for care meeting quality standards (e.g., Rising Stars for ME). Refundable up to $500. Starting 2026, the credit applies to any dependent for whom a federal personal exemption could be claimed, not just children who qualify for the federal child tax credit. The ~$315 figure comes from ITEP; Maine Revenue Services had not yet posted its 2026 worksheet. The federal child tax credit is $2,200 per child under 17 for 2026 and is claimed on Form 1040 regardless of state.
Records to keep: Keep your state return, W-2s and 1099s (1099-R, SSA-1099), and any state credit worksheets. Check your state revenue department's current-year instructions before you file.
Child tax credit in Maine
Varies
Individuals / Personal Taxes
Yes: Dependent Exemption Tax Credit: roughly $315 per dependent for 2026 ($300 base, inflation-indexed; $305 in 2025), doubled to about $630 for each child under 6. Reduced by $20 per $500 of Maine AGI above $100,000 single, $125,000 head of household, or $150,000 joint. Refundable for residents and part-year residents.
Business justification
Yes: Dependent Exemption Tax Credit: roughly $315 per dependent for 2026 ($300 base, inflation-indexed; $305 in 2025), doubled to about $630 for each child under 6. Reduced by $20 per $500 of Maine AGI above $100,000 single, $125,000 head of household, or $150,000 joint. Refundable for residents and part-year residents. Child care: 25% of the federal child and dependent care credit, or 50% for care meeting quality standards (e.g., Rising Stars for ME). Refundable up to $500. Starting 2026, the credit applies to any dependent for whom a federal personal exemption could be claimed, not just children who qualify for the federal child tax credit. The ~$315 figure comes from ITEP; Maine Revenue Services had not yet posted its 2026 worksheet. The federal child tax credit is $2,200 per child under 17 for 2026 and is claimed on Form 1040 regardless of state.
Category
- Personal Tax Deductions