Foster Parent tax breaks

[donnadavis38]

I need to find out if I can put my foster child, which is my nephew, on my taxes. He was with me full 4 months, but also some weekends through out the remainder of the year. He was placed with my by the State. He had no income and I paid support for him during those times. Thanks.

[AmyW]

No, he would not meet the IRS requirements for claiming a dependent unless he lived with you for more than half of the year.

The qualifications for claiming a qualifying child are: 

• They under 19, or a full-time student and under 24 years of age. There is no age limit if he is permanently and totally disabled.
• They lives with you for more than half of the year (Temporary absences, like going to college does not count)
• You provided more than half of their support for the tax year
• You are the only person claiming them

See the article below for the rules about claiming a qualifying child. 

https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tools/tax-tips/Family/Tax-Exemptions-and-Deductions-for-Families/INF...

[donnadavis38]

Thanks. That is what I thought, however when I am answering all the questions going through filing, it states that I qualify to claim him. I double checked my answers compared to the questions and I answered them correctly. So why would it say I could?

[AmyW]

Did you answer that he lived with you for 4 months?

[donnadavis38]

Yes

[AmyW]

Can you try to go back through the information section, and click edit next to the dependent and review the answers on the questionnaire?

[donnadavis38]

yes

[donnadavis38]

I have checked everything and re-answered and it says the same.

[AmyW]

What is listed as your nephew's relationship to you?

[donnadavis38]

yes

[AmyW]

Was the child with another relative for the rest of the year other than the weekends that you had him?

[AmyW]

The best way to resolve the issue is to remove him as a dependent. If he is with you for more than 6 months of this year, you will be able to claim him next year.

To Remove a dependent
* Sign into TurboTax, click Pick up where I left off.
* Choose the Personal Info tab.
* Click Continue.
* On the Personal Info Summary screen, click the Edit button for Dependents.
* The next screen lists your dependents. Click the Delete button for the dependent that you want to remove.
* Choose Yes to confirm the deletion.

[donnadavis38]

no he was in states custody in a treatment facility. I will try removing him. Thank you.

[AmyW]

It was my pleasure to assist you.