Texas Child Support Cap 2026: New $11,700 Limit (OAG Official) – What Changed
Enter your monthly net resources below to calculate Texas child support for 2026 using the new $11,700 cap.
Official $11,700 net resources cap • 20%/25%/30%/35%/40%
Use our free Texas child support calculator for 2026 to estimate your monthly obligation under the official Texas Office of the Attorney General (OAG) guidelines. Texas uses a percentage-of-net-resources model under Texas Family Code Chapter 154. Effective September 1, 2025, the monthly net resources cap increased to $11,700, and this cap continues into 2026.
This means the guideline percentages apply to the first $11,700 of net resources. Our calculator uses the updated cap and OAG tax charts to give you an accurate estimate based on current Texas law.
How Texas Child Support is Calculated in 2026
Texas uses a unique method. Unlike most states, Texas does NOT use Income Shares. Instead, Texas uses the Percentage of Obligor’s Net Resources model. Therefore, the court only looks at the non-custodial parent’s income for the basic amount.
What Are Net Resources in Texas?
First, the court determines monthly net resources. This is not your take-home pay. For example, Texas law includes all income sources under Family Code §154.062. The court includes wages, salary, commissions, overtime, tips, bonuses, self-employment, interest, dividends, royalties, rental income, severance, pensions, and even gifts.
In addition, the court then deducts allowable expenses. For this reason, you subtract Social Security taxes, federal income tax for a single person, union dues, and child’s health insurance cost. The Texas OAG publishes tax charts for this, and the revised charts from September 1, 2025 reflect the new $11,700 cap.
Compare percentage model with California K-factor model and Florida support rules. See also New York income cap rules and Ohio income shares model.
How the $11,700 Cap Works
Once the court determines net resources, it applies the percentage. If your net resources are $11,700 or less, the court applies the percentage to the full amount. However, if your net resources exceed $11,700, the court usually applies the percentage only to $11,700. As a result, the court can only order above the cap if the other parent proves the child’s additional needs.
Texas Child Support Percentage Chart 2026
| Number of Children | Percentage | Max at $11,700 Cap |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Child | 20% | $2,340 / month |
| 2 Children | 25% | $2,925 / month |
| 3 Children | 30% | $3,510 / month |
| 4 Children | 35% | $4,095 / month |
| 5+ Children | 40% | $4,680 / month |
| 6+ Children | Not less than 40% | Not less than $4,680 |
If you have children in other households you have a legal duty to support, these percentages are reduced.
For example, with one other child supported elsewhere, 1 child before court becomes 17.5% instead of 20%
What Counts as Income and Deductions?
Income Texas Includes:
Texas includes almost all income. For example, the court counts wages, salary, commissions, overtime, bonuses, self-employment income, interest, dividends, royalties, rental income after expenses, pensions, retirement, unemployment, disability, Social Security, trust income, and capital gains.
What Texas Allows You to Deduct:
You can deduct four main items to get net resources. First, Social Security and Medicare taxes. Second, federal income tax for a single person with standard deduction. Third, union dues if withheld. Finally, child’s health or dental insurance you pay.
What Happens If Your Income is Above or Below the Guidelines?
Above $11,700 Cap: The court can order additional support above guideline if the child’s proven needs exceed the guideline amount. The requesting party must provide evidence of needs like private school, special medical costs, or extracurriculars.
Below $1,000 Net Resources or Unemployed: If obligor’s net resources are under $1,000 or intentionally unemployed/underemployed, court may apply alternative calculation, presume minimum wage, or set support based on earning potential.
Multiple Households: Texas Family Code 154.129 has special rules. If you support children in different households, your percentage is reduced to account for prior obligations
Texas Child Support Enforcement – Official Resource
For an official calculation, always cross-check with the Texas OAG Monthly Child Support Calculator:
https://csapps.oag.texas.gov/monthly-child-support-calculator – This is the official tool used by the Texas Attorney General Child Support Division. Phone: 1-800-252-8014. Our site SupportCalcUSA.com is not affiliated with the OAG.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
The cap is $11,700 per month effective September 1, 2025 and continues in 2026. Previously it was $9,200. Guideline percentages apply only to the first $11,700
Based on monthly net resources, not gross. Net resources is gross income minus Social Security taxes, federal income tax for single person, union dues, and child’s health insurance cost
20% of monthly net resources. At the $11,700 cap, maximum guideline amount is $2,340 per month for one child.
For basic guideline calculation, only non-custodial parent’s net resources are used. Custodial parent’s income may be considered for deviations or above-cap requests.
No. Texas has no automatic 50/50 no-support rule. Even with equal possession, the obligor still pays guideline support, though court may consider additional expenses.
Percentage is reduced under Texas Family Code 154.129. For example, if you have 1 child elsewhere and 1 child before court, percentage
drops from 20% to 17.5%
Yes. Overtime, commissions, bonuses, tips, and second jobs are included as income under Texas law.
Yes. The increase from $9,200 to $11,700 may be grounds for modification if your order was based on old cap and current net resources exceed old cap. You must file a modification.
Yes. Court orders medical support and dental support in addition to guideline amount. Cost of insurance is added or deducted per rules.
This calculator provides an estimate only based on Texas Family Code Chapter 154 and OAG 2025 tax charts. It is not legal advice and not binding. Courts have final authority and discretion. For official orders, consult the OAG or a licensed Texas family law attorney.
Disclaimer: SupportCalcUSA.com is not affiliated with the State of Texas or the Texas Office of the Attorney General. This calculator uses Texas Family Code 154.125 and OAG tax charts effective Sept 1, 2025 ($11,700 cap). It provides an estimate only. For legal decisions, consult a Texas family law attorney.
Last reviewed: September 2026. Word Count: ~1380 words