I have been taking care of my grandbaby for over a year. Can I put her on my taxes now? Or do I need to wait till filing time?

[tinajcksn]

She is living in her car, but only once the money to spend on herself. She has provided nothing for her.

[xmasbaby0]

Not sure what you mean by "put her on my taxes."   You cannot file a 2025 tax return until the 2025 tax season is underway in early 2026.   If you are able to claim your grandchild as a dependent for 2025, you can do it at that time.

IRS interview to help determine who can be claimed:

https://www.irs.gov/help/ita/who-can-i-claim-as-a-dependent

[fanfare]

your daughter probably claimed the child already

You can't both claim the child as a dependent on 2025 taxes.

@tinajcksn 

[xmasbaby0]

When you prepare your 2025 return, the child's Social Security number can only be used on one tax return.   If the IRS accepts an e-filed return with the child's SSN, any other e-filed returns using the child's SSN will be rejected.  Be prepared for that to happen and we can provide help with what to do in that situation.   But there is nothing for you to "do" at this time.  2025 tax returns will be prepared and filed in early 2026.