1 Child
~20%
of income
Data updated May 2026
2024 guideline data Percentage of Income model OCSE FY2023 source
Texas Child Support Guidelines
Texas runs the Percentage of Income model, counting income up to $9,200/mo and a parenting-time credit - see the base percentages and OCSE FY2023 enforcement figures below.
By PlainChildSupport Editorial · · Source: Texas Revised Statutes · Last updated: 2024
Percentage of Income
2 Children
~25%
of income
3 Children
~30%
of income
4 Children
~35%
of income
Income Cap
$9,200
per month
Child Support Snapshot: Texas
Texas operates under the Percentage of Income model, one of 5 U.S. states using this framework. For a parent supporting one child, the base guideline applies roughly 20% of income, scaling to 25% for two children and 30% for three. That places Texas at rank #4 of 51 states by single-child base percentage. The state caps countable income at $9,200 per month, meaning earnings above that threshold fall to judicial discretion rather than the formula. Median household income here runs $67,321/yr.
Texas ranks #25 of 51 reporting states on OCSE collection efficiency and #2 by caseload volume, see the case counts, collection rate, and paternity-establishment figures in the enforcement breakdown below.
Texas allows a parenting time adjustment, which can materially reduce the base obligation when the non-custodial parent exercises substantial overnight time. A percentage figure alone doesn't determine the dollar amount, see how Texas compares to other guideline models →
How Texas Calculates Child Support
Texas uses the Percentage of Income model. A fixed percentage of the non-custodial parent's income is applied based on the number of children. Its one-child base rate is in line with the national middle range.
Percentage of obligor net monthly resources. 1 child = 20%, 2 = 25%, 3 = 30%, 4 = 35%, 5 = 40%, 6+ = no less than 40%. Cap at $9,200/mo net. Parenting time credit for 100+ overnights.
Guideline Details
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Formula Model | Percentage of Income |
| Income Floor | None |
| Income Ceiling | $9,200/mo net |
| Parenting Time Adjustment | Available |
| Median Household Income | $67,321/yr |
| Single-Child Base | 20% (rank #4 of 51) |
Disclaimer: This page provides estimates for informational purposes only. Actual child support amounts may differ based on judicial discretion, deviation factors, and current Texas guidelines. Consult a family law attorney in Texas for legal advice.
Texas Child Support Enforcement
1,210,000
Active Cases
$2,600M
Annual Collections
61.2%
Collection Rate
74.9%
Cases with Orders
95.4%
Paternity Established
Texas vs national average (51 reporting states)
Collection rate 61.2%
national
61.2% of assessed support collected; national average 60.6%.
Paternity established 95.4%
national
95.4% of cases have legal parentage established; national average 94.9%.
Cases with orders 74.9%
74.9% of the caseload has a formal child support order in place.
Source: OCSE FY2023 preliminary report OCSE FY2023 preliminary report
Calculate Texas Child Support
Our interactive calculator uses Texas's formula with your specific income and parenting time inputs.
Open Texas CalculatorOther Percentage of Income States
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of income goes to child support in Texas?
In Texas, approximate guideline percentages are 20% for 1 child, 25% for 2 children, 30% for 3 children, and 35% for 4 children. Actual amounts depend on the income level and any applicable deviation factors.
Does parenting time affect child support in Texas?
Yes. Texas provides a parenting time adjustment when the non-custodial parent exercises significant overnight time (typically 40% or more). This credit reduces the base child support obligation proportionally.
Is the Texas child support calculator on this site accurate?
Our calculator uses Texas's published guideline percentages and the Percentage of Income formula to produce estimates. Actual court-ordered amounts may differ based on allowable deductions, judicial discretion, and deviation factors. Always consult a family law attorney or use the official Texas calculator for binding figures.
Every figure on PlainChildSupport is rendered directly from official state guidelines and federal enforcement data, no number is typed in by an editor. This page draws directly on official state guidelines and federal enforcement data, no figure is typed in by an editor. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error.
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
Data sources
Data sourced from official federal and state child-support agency records (NCSL, state statutes, ACS). See our methodology for details. Retrieved and formatted by PlainChildSupport Editorial
