Texas Child Support Calculator
Built on the Office of the Attorney General guidelines, updated for the September 2025 COLA adjustment. Plain numbers in, plain numbers out — no email required.
Honest answers
to fair questions.
"How accurate is this calculator?"
It uses the official Texas OAG guidelines and is updated with the September 2025 COLA adjustments. The results are estimates based on what you enter — actual court orders can vary with circumstances and judicial discretion.
"What is the income cap for child support in Texas?"
As of September 2025, the monthly net income cap is $11,700. The cap is adjusted periodically for cost-of-living increases.
"How are multiple children handled?"
Texas uses a percentage-of-net-income model: 1 child = 20%, 2 children = 25%, 3 children = 30%, 4 children = 35%, 5 or more = 40% — applied to net income up to the cap. Reduced percentages apply for low-income obligors earning under $1,000 per month.
"What deductions come out of gross income to get to net?"
Social Security taxes, federal income tax (computed at single-filer rates), state income tax, union dues, and health and dental insurance premiums paid for the children.
"How does self-employment change the math?"
Self-employed obligors pay both halves of Social Security and Medicare (12.4% OASDI + 2.9% Medicare). The calculator accounts for the full self-employment tax burden when you flag the income source as self-employment.
"Can child support be modified later?"
Yes — under a material and substantial change in circumstances (income change, job loss, the child's needs changing). Either parent can file for modification.
How the calculation is built.
Percentage-of-income model.
Texas uses a percentage-of-income model. The obligor pays a percentage of net monthly income tied to the number of children entitled to support.
What counts as income.
The court counts every source: wages, salaries, commissions, bonuses, overtime, tips, rental income, and self-employment income. Benefits like Social Security, unemployment, and disability are usually included.
When the court deviates from guideline.
Courts can deviate from the standard percentage when one of these applies:
- Children with special needs or medical conditions
- Extraordinary educational expenses
- Travel costs for visitation
- Shared or split custody arrangements
- Income above the statutory cap
This calculator is informational. It is not legal advice. Estimates follow the Texas OAG guidelines and may not match what a court actually orders in your case. For advice tied to your situation, talk to a family-law attorney.
Want help on the order itself?
The calculator answers the math. We help with everything around it — establishment, modification, and enforcement.