This bill proposes to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 by significantly altering the eligibility requirements for the refundable child tax credit . Specifically, it reduces the current earned income threshold from $3,000 to just $1 , thereby expanding access to the credit for many low-income working families. By lowering this threshold, the legislation aims to ensure that more families with minimal or very low earned income can benefit from the full refundable portion of the child tax credit. A conforming amendment removes a related paragraph from the Code, streamlining the new eligibility structure. These provisions are slated to take effect for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025.
Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.
Stronger Start for Working Families Act
USA119th CongressHR-10282| House
| Updated: 9/3/2026
This bill proposes to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 by significantly altering the eligibility requirements for the refundable child tax credit . Specifically, it reduces the current earned income threshold from $3,000 to just $1 , thereby expanding access to the credit for many low-income working families. By lowering this threshold, the legislation aims to ensure that more families with minimal or very low earned income can benefit from the full refundable portion of the child tax credit. A conforming amendment removes a related paragraph from the Code, streamlining the new eligibility structure. These provisions are slated to take effect for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025.