NJ S248

Bill

Provides child tax credit for taxpayers with children ages six to 11 and increases amount of credit for taxpayers with children under 12 over period of two years.

Introduced
01/13/2026

In Committee
01/13/2026

Crossed Over

Passed

Dead

Introduced Session

2026-2027 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill would provide a child tax credit for certain taxpayers with children ages six to 11 and increase the amount of the credit over a period of two years for taxpayers with children under age six and taxpayers with children ages six to 11. Under current law, a resident taxpayer with New Jersey taxable income of $80,000 or less is allowed a credit against the State income tax for each child under age six. The amount of the credit is $500 per child if the taxpayer's income is $30,000 or less and is incrementally reduced with respect to levels of income in excess of $30,000. The credit is completely phased out once a taxpayer's income exceeds $80,000. In addition to those taxpayers with children under age six, the bill expands eligibility for the child tax credit to taxpayers with children ages six to 11. The bill also increases the amount of the credit over a period of two years. Taxpayers with levels of income under $30,000 and a child under age six would be eligible for a $750 credit for the 2023 and 2024 tax years with an incremental reduction of the credit for levels of income over $30,000 before being completely phased out once the taxpayer exceeds $80,000 of income. For tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2025, the credit would increase to $1,000 for those taxpayers with levels of income under $30,000 with an incremental reduction of the credit for levels of income over $30,000 before being completely phased out once a taxpayer exceeds $80,000 of income. Taxpayers with an income of $30,000 or less with a child ages six to 11 would be eligible for a $500 credit for the 2023 and 2024 tax years with an incremental reduction of the credit for income that exceeds $30,000 before being completely phased out once the taxpayer exceeds $80,000 of income. For tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2025, the credit would increase to $600 for those taxpayers with levels of income under $30,000 with an incremental reduction of the credit for levels of income over $30,000 before being completely phased out once the taxpayer exceeds $80,000 of income.

AI Summary

This bill expands and increases the New Jersey Child Tax Credit, which is a credit against the State income tax for taxpayers with children. Currently, the credit is only available for children under age six and has specific income limitations, with the credit amount decreasing as income rises above $30,000, and phasing out completely for incomes over $80,000. This bill extends eligibility to taxpayers with children ages six to 11 and gradually increases the credit amounts over two years. For children under age six, the credit will be $750 for tax years 2023-2024 and $1,000 for tax years beginning in 2025, for those with incomes under $30,000, with reduced amounts for higher incomes within the $80,000 limit. For children ages six to 11, the credit will be $500 for tax years 2023-2024 and $600 for tax years beginning in 2025, for those with incomes under $30,000, also with reduced amounts for higher incomes. The bill also clarifies that the credit can be claimed using either a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, and any excess credit beyond the tax owed will be treated as a refundable overpayment, meaning taxpayers could receive it as a refund. Additionally, it specifies filing requirements for married couples and how the credit is prorated for part-year residents, and ensures the credit does not affect eligibility for other state benefits.

Committee Categories

Budget and Finance

Sponsors (3)

Nilsa Cruz-Perez (D)*, Shirley Turner (D)*, Renee Burgess (D),

Last Action

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee (on 01/13/2026)

Official Document

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S248

(3 Companion Bills)

Version:

Document Type	Source Location
State Bill Page	https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S248
BillText	https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S0500/248_I1.HTM

Bill	Bill Name	Last Action	Type
A3401	Provides child tax credit for taxpayers with children ages six to 11 and increases amount of credit for taxpayers with children under 12 over period of two years.	Introduced, Referred to Assembly Children, Families and Food Security Committee	Same As
A3428	Provides child tax credit for taxpayers with children ages six to 11 and increases amount of credit for taxpayers with children under 12 over period of two years.	Introduced, Referred to Assembly Children, Families and Food Security Committee	Carry Over
S1568	Provides child tax credit for taxpayers with children ages six to 11 and increases amount of credit for taxpayers with children under 12 over period of two years.	Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee	Carry Over

Bill > S248

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Introduced Session

Bill Summary

AI Summary

Committee Categories

Sponsors (3)

Last Action

Official Document

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