@GNock_2024 Not sure if this will console you at all----but even if you could claim them as "qualified relatives" (and you cannot) all you would get is a non-refundable $500 credit for other dependents for each one which would only reduce your tax liability. You would not get a refund for claiming them. You would not get any child related credits like earned income credit or child tax credit. You would not be able to file as Head of Household. So you are missing out on a comparatively small tax credit if they do not live with you for all of 2024. It is unfortunate that your kindness and generosity to your friend are being met with anger and/or threats of reporting you to the IRS.
**Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to offer the most correct information possible. The poster disclaims any legal responsibility for the accuracy of the information that is contained in this post.**
