I'm claiming my god child as a dependent do I list him as my son?

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June 1, 2019
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No, do not list your godchild as your son. Your godchild does not meet the IRS definition of a child, which includes natural children and step-children, foster children, and legally adopted children.

However, your godchild may still be your dependent of tax purposes under the rather broadly-defined "qualifying relative" rule.

Let’s look at whether you can claim your godchild as a “qualifying relative.” Generally, you can claim your relative as a dependent if:

The relative is a U.S. citizen, a U.S. national, a resident alien, or a resident of Canada or Mexico;
The relative lived with you all year;
The relative had gross income of less than $4,050.00 in 2016;
You provide over half of their support; and
No one else provided over half of the relative’s support.

For more information, please see Rules for Claiming a Dependent on Your Tax Return.

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Answer

No, do not list your godchild as your son. Your godchild does not meet the IRS definition of a child, which includes natural children and step-children, foster children, and legally adopted children.

However, your godchild may still be your dependent of tax purposes under the rather broadly-defined "qualifying relative" rule.

Let’s look at whether you can claim your godchild as a “qualifying relative.” Generally, you can claim your relative as a dependent if:

The relative is a U.S. citizen, a U.S. national, a resident alien, or a resident of Canada or Mexico;
The relative lived with you all year;
The relative had gross income of less than $4,050.00 in 2016;
You provide over half of their support; and
No one else provided over half of the relative’s support.

For more information, please see Rules for Claiming a Dependent on Your Tax Return.