EIC and CTC

Nolanmadi — Sun, 18 Jan 2026 21:14:32 GMT

I provide for and care for 100% of the time for a child of my ex boyfriend. She has lived solely with me for two+ years as my own child. I am submitting paperwork for permanent guardianship of her currently. It is a lengthy process I’m sure so my question is after I submit paperwork or after it’s granted will I be able to claim her as a qualified dependent?

Re: EIC and CTC

DoninGA — Sun, 18 Jan 2026 21:21:58 GMT

You should be able to claim her as your dependent under the Qualifying Relative rules if she has lived in your home for the entire year and the other requirements.

To be a Qualifying Relative -

1. The person cannot be your qualifying child or the qualifying child of any other taxpayer. A child is not the qualifying child of any other taxpayer if the child's parent (or any other person for whom the child is defined as a qualifying child) is not required to file an income tax return or files an income tax return only to get a refund on income tax withheld.
2. The person either (a) must be related to you or (b) must live with you all year as a member of your household.
3. The person's gross income for the year must be less than $5,200 (social security does not count) in 2025
4. You must provide more than half of the person's total support for the year.
5. The person must be a U.S. citizen or a U.S., Canada, or Mexico resident for some part of the year.
6. The person must not file a joint return with their spouse with the following exception -
You can claim a person as a dependent who files a joint return if that person and that person’s spouse file the joint return only to claim a refund of income tax withheld or estimated tax paid.

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EIC and CTC

Re: EIC and CTC