A while back the IRS made some changes and started to give extra credit to parents that have children. There have always been the dependents that you can claim on your tax return, but this is a special tax. The child tax credit was established. This helps family get even more money and often helps to offset what you owe the federal government. It is not the same as the earned income credit which was established to help families in the lower income bracket get back more. There are some guidelines for this such as the child has to be related to the taxpayer, the child can not provide for half of his income or do his own taxes. The child has to be a citizen of the United States. If these and a few more conditions are met, then you will be able to get this credit. The best place to get help is with a professional.