Claiming the Credit(p225)

To claim the child tax credit, you must file Form 1040 or Form 1040A. You cannot claim the child tax credit on Form 1040EZ. You must provide the name and identification number (usually a social security number) on your tax return for each qualifying child.

To figure your credit, first review the Child Tax Credit Worksheet in your Form 1040 or 1040A instructions. If you are instructed to use Publication 972, you may not use the worksheet in your tax return instructions; instead, you must use Publication 972 to figure the credit. If you are not instructed to use Publication 972, you may use the Child Tax Credit Worksheet in your Form 1040 or 1040A instructions or Publication 972 to figure the credit.