Who can apply
For tax year 2025, the regular child credit requires a qualifying child under six and federal AGI no higher than $77,000, or $87,000 for joint filers. The Family Affordability credit covers qualifying children under 17 and uses higher limits of $85,000, or $96,000 for joint filers. DR 0104CN excludes nonresidents and provides part-year calculations. Match the year of the return before applying these figures.
What help is available
The 2025 regular credit has per-child amounts of $1,200, $600 or $200 according to income and filing status. Family Affordability is calculated separately by age and income. Use the form’s tables; the maximum is not every household’s award.
Documents to prepare
- The federal return and adjusted gross income.
- Children’s dates of birth, tax identification numbers and dependency records.
- Colorado residency information and the correct year’s forms.
How to get started
Identify the filing year
Open the state’s individual income-tax forms. Use the matching instructions rather than a previous year’s table.
Calculate each credit separately
Complete the Colorado Child Tax Credit Schedule, DR 0104CN, following its eligibility and calculation instructions.
Include the required schedules
Carry the result to the Colorado return and credit schedule as instructed for that year. A free tax-preparation service can help if available.
After applying
Keep the completed calculation and dependency records. For a revenue-department inquiry, use the contact details and response deadline in the notice.
Website screenshots
These images show the pages captured in August 2026. Website screens and rules may have changed.
Common questions
Are the two credits the same?
No. They have separate eligibility and calculations, even though DR 0104CN addresses both.
Does every child qualify for the regular credit?
The regular credit’s child-age rule is younger than six; review the other dependency and income conditions.
Can I use a 2025 amount for 2026?
No. Match forms, limits and availability to the tax year you are filing.
Do I claim this through a benefits portal?
No. It is claimed with the Colorado income-tax return and required schedules.
Sources and review
Verified tax-year rules and calculations: 2025 DR 0104CN instructions. Forms for the year being filed: Colorado individual income-tax forms. This guide describes 2025 filing, not a promise of the same figures or availability for 2026.
Historical screenshots: source reference.