topic My son meets all the tests for a qualifying child. He is a 21yo full-time student, and we paid more than half of his expenses. Why does the $5,050 income limit apply? in Education

My son meets all the tests for a qualifying child. He is a 21yo full-time student, and we paid more than half of his expenses. Why does the $5,050 income limit apply?

hangry22 — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 14:10:16 GMT

The IRS site has the caution: "If your gross income was $5,050 or more, you usually can't be claimed as a dependent unless you are a qualifying child. " He seems to be a qualifying child, so why does TurboTax say he earned too much?

Re: My son meets all the tests for a qualifying child. He is a 21yo full-time student, and we paid more than half of his expenses. Why does the $5,050 income limit apply?

DoninGA — Sat, 01 Feb 2025 18:31:57 GMT

Review your answers for claiming him as a dependent in the My Info section of the program.

You needed to select that he lived in your home for the Whole year, that he was a full time student, that no one else in the home provided support, that you provided over one-half of his support. that you did NOT check the box labeled "not valid for employment" in the Social Security number section, that he did not earn $5,050 or more in 2024,

If all of your answer are correct then delete him as a dependent and re-enter.

Re: My son meets all the tests for a qualifying child. He is a 21yo full-time student, and we paid more than half of his expenses. Why does the $5,050 income limit apply?

Hal_Al — Sat, 01 Feb 2025 18:33:02 GMT

You do not get the $5050 income question, if your previous answers indicate that your student is a Qualifying Child. Go back and check your answers.

Some users have reported a previous glitch that has been fixed. Be sure you have the latest updates.