Texas Child Support Calculator 2026, Percentage of Net Resources
In Texas, child support is calculated under the Percentage of Net Resources model (Tex. Fam. Code §154): 20% of net monthly resources for one child, 25% for two, 28% for three, 31% for four, and 34% for five or more children, applied to the first $9,200 of monthly net resources.
Child support in Texas is governed by Texas Family Code §154, which uses a Percentage of Net Resources model, one of the few states that focuses on the paying parent's net monthly resources rather than a combined income approach. Texas defines "net resources" as gross income minus Social Security taxes, federal income taxes based on the standard deduction and one personal exemption, union dues, and health insurance premiums paid for the child.
Under Tex. Fam. Code §154.125, the guideline percentages are: 20% for one child, 25% for two, 28% for three, 31% for four, and 34% for five or more. These percentages apply to the first $9,200 of net monthly resources, the statutory cap under §154.126. For net resources above the cap, courts may order additional child support based on the proven needs of the child.
Income sources counted as Texas net resources include wages, salary, commissions, overtime, bonuses, self-employment income, interest, dividends, rental income, most Social Security benefits, and veterans' disability compensation. Military BAH and BAS are generally included unless federally exempt. Courts may impute income if a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed.
Texas Child Support, Key Facts (2026)
| Children | Percentage | Notes |
|---|
| 1 child | 20% of net resources | First $9,200/month cap |
| 2 children | 25% of net resources | First $9,200/month cap |
| 3 children | 28% of net resources | First $9,200/month cap |
| 4 children | 31% of net resources | First $9,200/month cap |
| 5+ children | 34% of net resources | First $9,200/month cap |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How is child support calculated in Texas?
- In Texas, child support is calculated under the Percentage of Net Resources model (Tex. Fam. Code §154): 20% of net monthly resources for one child, 25% for two, 28% for three, 31% for four, and 34% for five or more children, applied to the first $9,200 of monthly net resources. Use our calculator above to get an instant estimate based on your specific income and parenting time.
- What income counts toward child support in Texas?
- Texas includes all regular income sources: wages, salary, overtime, bonuses, commissions, self-employment net income, rental income, interest, dividends, Social Security benefits (including SSDI), military pay (including BAH and BAS), and unemployment benefits. SSI is excluded in most states.
- Can Texas child support be modified?
- A Texas child support order can be modified when there is a material and substantial change in circumstances, typically a significant change in either parent's income (usually 15-20% or more), a change in custody, or a change in the child's needs. File a petition with the court that issued the original order. Modifications are generally only retroactive to the date of filing.
- Does shared custody affect child support in Texas?
- Yes. The court considers the custody arrangement and may adjust the obligation accordingly.
- What happens if child support is not paid in Texas?
- Unpaid child support in Texas can result in: income withholding directly from the payor's employer, interception of federal and state tax refunds, suspension of driver's and professional licenses, denial of passport renewal, credit bureau reporting, seizure of bank accounts, and contempt of court proceedings that can include incarceration in serious cases.
- When does child support end in Texas?
- Texas child support typically ends when the child turns 18 or graduates from high school (whichever is later in most states). Support may end earlier if the child becomes legally emancipated. Some states extend support through college for dependent children, check Tex. Fam. Code §154 and consult a Texas family law attorney for your specific situation.
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