Under current tax law only a "custodial" parent is able to claim the "Child Tax Credit", which is $1,000 per child. The noncustodial parent is unable to take part and share in this credit. I propose that a "Parent Tax Credit" be added to the Federal Tax Code that gives a $500 refundable tax credit to noncustiodial parents, that are paying child support payments. This credit would only be available to noncustodial parents that are CURRENT on their child support payments.
By allowing this type of credit it would be an incentive for noncustodial parents to be current on their child support payments, and reward noncustodial parents for being responsible.