turbotax icon
turbotax icon
turbotax icon
turbotax icon
cancel
Showing results for 
Search instead for 
Did you mean: 
Announcements
Close icon
Do you have a TurboTax Online account?

We'll help you get started or pick up where you left off.

Can I claim my son on 2019 taxes

My son who is 2 was on someone else’s Medicaid the whole entire year. But he lived with me most of the year. I had a family friend help me out a lot and would take him to the dr for me while I was at work. I have custody but this family friend is telling me they are claiming him as their dependent this year. I’ve read the qualifying child requirements and my son is not related to this family friend. Can he still claim my son? 

Connect with an expert
x
Do you have an Intuit account?

Do you have an Intuit account?

You'll need to sign in or create an account to connect with an expert.

3 Replies
Hal_Al
Level 15

Can I claim my son on 2019 taxes

Your friend can NOT claim your child.

 

There are two types of dependents, "Qualifying Children"(QC) and standard ("Qualifying Relative" in IRS parlance even though they don't have to actually be related). There is no income limit for a QC but there is an age limit, a relationship test and residence test. Only a QC qualifies a taxpayer for the Earned Income Credit and the Child Tax Credit. He definitely cannot claim the child as a QC, because, as you stated, he is not related. 

 

A qualifying relative dependent only gets the taxpayer the (up to)  $500 other dependent credit.  But, your friend doesn't qualify for that either; see rule 6.

 Qualifying relative dependent rules: 

  1. Closely Related OR live with the taxpayer ALL year .
  2. His/her gross taxable income for the year must be less than $4200 
  3. The taxpayer must have provided more than 1/2 his support
  4. He must be a US citizen or resident of the US, Canada or Mexico
  5. He must not file a joint return with his spouse or be claiming a dependent of his own
  6. He must not be the qualifying child of another taxpayer

In addition to the above requirements, to claim your friend's children, they must meet all of the above requirements and:
--- your friend (you in this case) must not be required to file a return,
--- he/she does not file a return claiming the children

Can I claim my son on 2019 taxes

You can claim your son on your own tax return since you worked and may be able to get child-relatd credits and file as Head of Household.  But something else seems fishy--how is a "friend" getting Medicaid for your child?   Is this "friend" the child's other parent or a relative?

**Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to offer the most correct information possible. The poster disclaims any legal responsibility for the accuracy of the information that is contained in this post.**
Anonymous
Not applicable

Can I claim my son on 2019 taxes

nothing to do to stop other person from claiming, but he would be your qualifying child entitling you to claim him and file as head of household.   if he claims and files first, you will not be able to e-file.  you'll have to mail in your returns.

 

if both claim, each of you will get a notice from the IRS asking for you to amend.  you should ignore  it.   if he doesn't amend ther's a second notice asking for you to prove it.  the one with the better proof in th eyes of the IRS will get him and the other will get a bill. 

Use your Intuit Account to sign in to TurboTax.
By selecting Sign in, you agree to our Terms and acknowledge our Privacy Statement.
message box icon

Get more help

Ask questions and learn more about your taxes and finances.

Post your Question
Manage cookies