As the presidential election heats up, the child tax credit has emerged as a significant battleground between the two major parties. Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee, has outlined plans to enhance the child tax credit as part of her platform to reduce costs for American families. This includes reinstating the 2021 American Rescue Plan Act’s enhanced credit of up to $3,600 per child and introducing a $6,000 credit for newborns.
On the other side, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, the GOP vice presidential pick, has expressed support for increasing the child tax credit to $5,000 per child. Former President Donald Trump has also signaled his backing for a generous child tax credit, building on efforts made during his previous term.
The child tax credit has become a point of contention between the two parties, with Vance falsely accusing Harris of wanting to end the benefit. Democrats, in turn, have criticized Vance for missing a recent vote related to expanding the credit.
Whoever assumes the presidency will face the task of addressing the child tax credit next year, as it is set to revert back to a maximum of $1,000 in 2026. This reduction from the current ceiling of $2,000, established by the Republicans’ Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, is part of several individual income tax provisions in the law that are due to expire at the end of next year.
