topic Re: Custodial Parent in Get your taxes done using TurboTax

Custodial Parent

cebax — Thu, 09 Apr 2020 12:53:44 GMT

In 2019 we have taken in a non-related 17yr old teen. She left her home because of family issues so she could focus on schooling. She first left home in 2/2019 first staying with my sister-in-law and has been staying with us since 8/2019.

In completing her taxes it asks about the custodial parent. Am I eligible to be listed as the Custodial Parent? We are not legal guardians, but she only lived with her biological mother for 1 month in 2019.

Re: Custodial Parent

DoninGA — Thu, 09 Apr 2020 12:58:24 GMT

Since she is not related to you, to claim her as a dependent on your tax return she must have lived in your home for the entire year. Since she did not, you do Not enter her as a dependent on your tax return.

Re: Custodial Parent

cebax — Thu, 09 Apr 2020 13:21:30 GMT

Yes. I did already discover that, and she was not claimed on my return. On her return it asks for a Custodial Parent because she is under the age of 24. Do I qualify as a Custodial Parent even though I have no legal guardianship?

Re: Custodial Parent

DoninGA — Thu, 09 Apr 2020 13:35:36 GMT

@cebax wrote:

Yes. I did already discover that, and she was not claimed on my return. On her return it asks for a Custodial Parent because she is under the age of 24. Do I qualify as a Custodial Parent even though I have no legal guardianship?

Why is she filing a tax return? Did she earn income and have taxes withheld on a W-2 so that she will be receiving a tax refund? Or did she have self-employment income of $400 or more?

No, you are not the Custodial Parent. The custodial parent is who the child lived with for over one-half of the year.