Claiming a dependent who is over 18

In addition to meeting the qualifying child or qualifying relative test, you can claim that person as a dependent only if these three tests are met: Dependent taxpayer test Citizen or resident test, and Joint return test. Additional Information. Whom May I Claim as a Dependent? According to the federal government, the answer is yes! Other factors that contribute to your ability to claim your children as dependents are: Amount of time your children live with you Your child must live with you for at least 6 months before you can claim them as a dependent.

Financial support If your child makes more than half of their own support during the tax year, they cannot be claimed as a dependent. This support consists of housing, food, education, medical care, insurance, and recreational spending. Marital Status If you are not married and the child lived with you and the other parent half of the time, the person with the highest adjusted gross income will often take the deduction. This, however, can be negotiated.

If you pay child support but the child lives with you for less than half of the year, you cannot claim the child as a dependent unless you have a signed Form Out of the Nest Since the exemption for dependents is suspended until , parents have to look for other tax credits and deductions that can help them on their tax bill.

Earned Income Credit This credit is based on the amount of money you earn in a tax year. Designed to benefit low to medium income families with children, this credit will allow you access to a certain amount of money based on your income and the number of children you have. Remember, for any credit, your child must pass the qualifying child test. A refundable credit will allow some or all of the credit to be refunded to the taxpayer after the tax liabilities are met.

Additionally, under the new tax law, many more families will qualify for this particular tax credit as the income limit has increased. However, the absence must be temporary, usually less than six months. It also must established that the dependent would stay with you except for the absence. Also, if he or she were to have filed separately from his or her spouse, neither would have owed taxes.

The person must be one of these: U. Are you a wage earner in Alabama? Expats are subject to the latest tax bill changes much like any other taxpayer.