topic My child is 18, still in school. The under 17 child tax credit is automatically applied. How can I fix this? in Deductions & credits

My child is 18, still in school. The under 17 child tax credit is automatically applied. How can I fix this?

ninhalo1973 — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 13:14:15 GMT

If I change her dependent type, TurboTax removes my HOH status, says I’m not eligible because I do not pay over half the cost. I pay 100% of her living costs. This seems to be a glitch. I should be able to claim a dependent and HOH. I fully qualify under the rules.

Re: My child is 18, still in school. The under 17 child tax credit is automatically applied. How ...

HelenC12 — Mon, 06 Feb 2023 13:12:22 GMT

TurboTax is correct. You are able to claim your 18 year old as a dependent so you are able to file as Head of Household.

However, for tax year 2022, your 18 year old does not qualify for the Child Tax Credit. In tax year 2021, the American Rescue Plan raised the minimum Child Tax Credit to $3,000 per qualifying children ages 6 through 17.

You may qualify for the $500 Credit for Other Dependents. The credit allows taxpayers a credit for certain dependents that don't qualify for the Child Tax Credit, such as qualifying children age 17 or older, adult dependents, and dependents who have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

Re: My child is 18, still in school. The under 17 child tax credit is automatically applied. How can I fix this?

Hal_Al — Mon, 06 Feb 2023 13:29:53 GMT

Be sure you entered her birth date correctly.

Re: My child is 18, still in school. The under 17 child tax credit is automatically applied. How ...

ninhalo1973 — Mon, 06 Feb 2023 14:23:20 GMT

Thank you for the reply, however turbo tax will not allow me to file head of household. Only way I can get the child tax credit removed is to not list her as my daughter. Then it says I don’t qualify for HOH because I’m not paying more than 1/2 which I am and which I selected. If I list her as my daughter, then turbo tax automatically applies the child tax credit.

Re: My child is 18, still in school. The under 17 child tax credit is automatically applied. How can I fix this?

ninhalo1973 — Mon, 06 Feb 2023 14:24:26 GMT

It’s correct

Re: My child is 18, still in school. The under 17 child tax credit is automatically applied. How can I fix this?

Hal_Al — Mon, 06 Feb 2023 14:44:26 GMT

Delete your daughter and then re-enter.

Re: My child is 18, still in school. The under 17 child tax credit is automatically applied. How can I fix this?

ninhalo1973 — Mon, 06 Feb 2023 17:59:46 GMT

Tried deleting her and re-adding her, does the same thing. This has got to be a TurboTax programming error. There was a even a radio button that says do not add the child tax credit, but that seems non functional as well.

Re: My child is 18, still in school. The under 17 child tax credit is automatically applied. How ...

DanaB27 — Sat, 11 Feb 2023 14:07:41 GMT

It would be helpful to have a TurboTax ".tax2022" file that is experiencing this issue. You can send us a “diagnostic” file that has your “numbers” but not your personal information. If you would like to do this, here are the instructions for TurboTax Download:

On your menu bar at the very top, click "Online"
Select "Send Tax File to Agent"
Click "Send"
The pop-up will have a token number
Reply to this thread with your Token number. This will allow us to open a copy of your return without seeing any personal information.

The instructions for TurboTax Online:

From the left menu select Tax Tools.
Then select Tools below Tax Tools.
A window will pop up which says Tools Center.
On this screen, select Share my file with Agent.
You will see a message explaining what the diagnostic copy is. Click okay through this screen and then you will get a Token number.
Reply to this thread with your Token number. This will allow us to open a copy of your return without seeing any personal information.

We will then be able to see exactly what you are seeing and we can determine what exactly is going on in your return and provide you with a resolution.

Re: My child is 18, still in school. The under 17 child tax credit is automatically applied. How ...

chrisrtracy — Mon, 17 Apr 2023 23:42:02 GMT

I'm having the same issue. My son was 17 at end of the year, so doesn't qualify, but TurboTax is forcing to submit with the child tax credit on, no way to turn it off.

My e-file was rejected by IRS. I have a case number open for it.

Maybe it is using age at beginning of year, when statute is age at end of year?

Re: My child is 18, still in school. The under 17 child tax credit is automatically applied. How ...

ShirlynW — Tue, 18 Apr 2023 00:08:27 GMT

Would you clarify, what birthday did you enter in the Personal info?

@christracy