Get your taxes done using TurboTax

There is no "preferred" way to file only the correct way.  BOTH kids will be qualifying dependents of yours if they are full time students under the age of 24  no matter how much they make as long as they are not self supporting using wages.  

WHO CAN I CLAIM AS A DEPENDENT?

• Qualifying Child Dependent:

  • The child must be related to you. The child can be your son, daughter, stepchild, eligible foster child, brother, sister, half-brother, half-sister, stepbrother, stepsister, adopted child or an offspring of any of them.
  • Your child must be under age 19 or, if a full-time student, under age 24. There is no age limit if your child is permanently and totally disabled.
  • Your child must live with you for more than half the year, but several exceptions apply (ie. away at school).
  • The child cannot provide more than half of his/her support.
  • You must be the only person claiming the child
  • The child must be a US citizen, resident alien, national, or resident of Mexico or Canada.
  • The child cannot file a joint return with his or her spouse.