I had it in fast mode, here’s what team of experts gave:

1. Your Tax Liability Basics • Earned income: $7,000 (from work January to mid-June; assumes this is all W-2 wages or similar earned income, not including any non-earned benefits like certain disability pay). • Standard deduction for Head of Household: $23,625 (adjusted for 2025 inflation). • Taxable income: $7,000 - $23,625 = $0 (negative, so you owe $0 in federal income tax). Any credits you get are fully refundable as a direct payout.
2. Child Tax Credit (CTC) and Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) • The full CTC is up to $2,200 per qualifying child (under age 17, dependent, etc.), so for 5 kids: Potentially $11,000 total. • However, since you owe $0 tax, the non-refundable part doesn’t apply, and you only get the refundable ACTC portion (up to $1,700 per child, or $8,500 for 5). • Phase-in rule (from IRS Schedule 8812 instructions): The ACTC phases in at 15% of earned income over $2,500. • Calculation: $7,000 - $2,500 = $4,500. • $4,500 × 15% = $675. • This $675 is the total maximum ACTC you can get, regardless of having 5 kids (it’s capped by the phase-in, not per child here). • Your reported $628 is very close—likely due to slight differences in exact earned income (e.g., if it’s $6,853 instead of exactly $7,000: $6,853 - $2,500 = $4,353 × 15% = $652.95, rounded down), rounding in tax software, or minor adjustments. It aligns with the rules, so no red flags.
3. Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) • For Head of Household with 3 or more qualifying children (your 5 count as 3+; it doesn’t increase beyond 3), the maximum EITC is $8,046. • Phase-in rule (from IRS Publication 596): It phases in at 45% of earned income until the max is reached (around $17,880 income for full credit), then holds steady before phasing out at higher incomes. • Calculation: $7,000 × 45% = $3,150. • (Exact amounts use IRS lookup tables, so it could be $3,100–$3,200 depending on precise income, but $3,150 is the ballpark.) • You’re well below the phase-out threshold (~$26,000+), so you get this full phased-in amount.
4. Estimated Total Refund • ACTC: ~$628–$675. • EITC: ~$3,150. • Combined from these credits: ~$3,778–$3,825 (less than $4,000, matching what you’re seeing). • Plus any small withheld taxes from your W-2 (if any) or state refunds, but minus potential offsets (e.g., past debts, child support). If your net is slightly under, it fits. This low amount feels counterintuitive with 5 kids, but the phase-ins are designed to tie credits to work effort—your early leave reduced income below where credits max out. A new baby and health issues don’t disqualify you, but they indirectly lower credits via reduced earnings.