topic claiming child as a dependant question. in Deductions & credits

claiming child as a dependant question.

bbtaz97 — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 11:14:02 GMT

Hello,

i have a 10 yr old daughter, and prior to this past yr i filled head of household and alternated claiming my daughter with her mom. This past yr i got married and this is my yr to claim my daughter. I entered the information requested to file married jointly, there is a question that asked who my daughters legal parent is. When i select just me , and yes she lived here all yr and yes i pay at least 50% of her expensive ( same as the last few yrs ) it then says that she doesn't qualify as a defendant. I do not quite understand that. how do i deal with this situation? it is better if a file married but filling separately then? If someone can please advise on this topic that would be greatly helpful.

Re: claiming child as a dependant question.

DavidD66 — Mon, 19 Feb 2024 23:25:38 GMT

Based on the information you provided, your daughter does qualify as your dependent. I suggest you revisit the My Info section of your return and make sure that you have answered all the questions relating to your daughter correctly.

Re: claiming child as a dependant question.

Texas Roger — Mon, 19 Feb 2024 23:26:32 GMT

You would not gain anything by filing married filing separately instead of married filing jointly. In fact there are many disadvantages to filing married filing separately. Try deleting your child and then re-entering the child. You may have answered a question incorrectly.

Re: claiming child as a dependant question.

xmasbaby0 — Mon, 19 Feb 2024 23:27:12 GMT

You are answering something incorrectly. If you are legally married then you and your spouse can claim your daughter as a dependent on your joint tax return. You say the child lived with you and your spouse. Your spouse is also now a legal parent---a step parent is a legal parent.

Go back through the questions in My Info again and try answering those questions again.