What is a tax dependent? A tax dependent is a qualifying child or qualifying relative you can claim on your tax return if they meet certain criteria. Generally, having a dependent means you might be able to take certain tax deductions and credits related to caring for or providing for that...
A dependent can be a qualifying child or a qualifying relative. A qualifying child can be your biological child, stepchild, foster child, sibling, step-sibling, or a descendant of any of these individuals, provided they are less than 19 years old (or 24 if a full-time student) for the ...
You don't need to be related to someone to claim them as a dependent on your tax return. Under the qualifying relative rules used to determine eligibility for being claimed as a dependent, the person only needs to satisfy tests related to marriage status, support, residency, income, housing ...
For the 2024 tax year (taxes filed in 2025), the credit is worth up to $2,000 per qualifying dependent child, and the refundable portion is worth up to $1,700. 2025 child tax credit In 2025 (taxes filed in 2026), the child tax credit will remain at $2,000 per dependent, with ...
Understanding how the IRS defines a dependent is important for avoiding errors when filing your taxes. In a nutshell, a dependent is a taxpayer's qualifying child or qualifying relative. Even if you feel your spouse depends on you because he or she isn’t employed or you have unequal ...
Qualifying Relative A person who is not your child dependent, but qualifies to be claimed as your dependent for tax purposes. See more details on qualifying relatives. Qualifying Widow(er) A filing status claimed by a taxpayer whose spouse has died during the tax year. This status entitles ...
Qualifying surviving spouse You may want to consult the IRS website or contact a tax professional to help make sure your tax filing status is right for you. The IRS has specific rules around who qualifies as a dependent; when married couples can file jointly or separately; and when an adult...
Amount of support you have provided for your dependent during the tax year. However, you might be ableclaim the person as an IRS Qualifying Relativebased on the factors above (limits and qualifications vary). Seehow a dependent files a tax return. ...
Qualifying widow or widower with a dependent child The IRS offers afiling status toolto help you determine your appropriate filing status. Single, married filing jointly, and head of household are the most common statuses.6 The IRS also makes it easy to choose the correct filing status when yo...
Tax dependent means a person, other than the tax filer or the tax filer’s spouse, for whom an exemption can be claimed. To be a dependent, a person must be a qualifying child or qualifying relative of the tax filer. For more information, see Exemptions for Dependents in IRS Pub 501....