I have a dependent that I claimed but I haven’t worked and have no W2s I was told no matter what I would still get something back and it’s giving me nothing back why?

[KrisD15]

It is true that if you have a dependent, you may be eligible for the Child Tax Credit, Additional Child Tax Credit or Credit for Other Dependent. 

If you have no income, and therefore no tax liability, the only credit available would be the Additional Child Tax Credit since that credit is refundable (increases refund when no tax is due).

For the Additional Child Tax Credit, your dependent must have been under 17 all of 2023, and have a Social Security Number.

HERE is a link to an IRS Interactive Tax Assistant to help you determine if your dependent would count for that credit.

[xmasbaby0]

Not sure who gave you that incorrect information.   But claiming a dependent without income from working will not get you a refund.  All of the child-related credits like additional child tax credit, earned income credit or childcare credit---are based on having income from working.  Perhaps there is someone else who has been supporting you and your child who could be claiming you both as dependents.