Do I not get my child tax credit because I owed taxes?

No. For the 2024 and 2025 tax years, the standard Child Tax Credit is nonrefundable; It Reduces your tax bill to 0, and any unused credit is lost. However, you may be able to claim a refundable Additional Child Tax Credit for the unused balance. Up to $1,700 per qualifying child in 2024 and 2025 is refundable with the Additional Child Tax Credit.

You must have a minimum of $2,500 of earned income to claim the Additional Child Tax Credit. Earned income can come from salaries and wages, self-employment, and some disability payments.

For more information and to check if you meet the requirements to claim the credit, check: 

2024-2025 Child Tax Credit: Top 7 Requirements