Claiming dependents is a great way to increase tax deductions. The IRS has specific guidelines to ensure a dependent is an eligible claimed dependent. A dependent relies on another person for financial support, such as housing, food, clothing, necessities, etc.

Qualifying Children

Qualifying children must be under 19 at the end of the year, a full-time student under age 24. They must live with the taxpayer for at least six months of the year. The dependent cannot provide more than half their support or file a tax return claiming themselves. The child must be your daughter, son, foster child, stepchild, grandchild, sister, brother, niece, or nephew.

Other Qualifying Dependents

The dependent must be a U.S. citizen, resident alien, or National to be eligible for the credit. Unlike qualifying children, under specific conditions, qualifying other dependents do not have to live with a taxpayer. Qualifying relatives must earn less than the exemption amount for the tax year. This amount was $4,300.00 in the tax year 2022. The taxpayer must provide more than half of the other dependents total support for the year. The dependent must be your parent, stepfather, stepmother, father-in-law, mother-in-law, grandparent, and if related by blood, aunt, uncle, niece, or nephew.