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

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

Claiming Adult Child (26) in Graduate School as a Dependent

My Daughter is 26, a U.S. Citizen with a Social Security Number, was in Graduate school full-time in 2025 (She will graduate May 2026).  She lives off-campus in a rented home near school all year. Her Gross Income is less than $5050. I pay for more than half of her Support including Tuition, her share of Rent and Food, Healthcare Insurance, Car Insurance and any significant Repairs, some Clothing, etc. Can I claim her as a Dependent and also claim the 1098-T on my return?  (I file MFJ with my Wife). 

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.

1 Best answer

Accepted Solutions

Claiming Adult Child (26) in Graduate School as a Dependent

Since she is age 24 or older, you should be able to claim her as a dependent under the Qualifying Relative rules provided she meets all the requirements under the rules.  If you do claim her as a dependent then the education expenses would be entered on your tax return (Form 1098-T)

 

To be a Qualifying Relative -

1. The person cannot be your qualifying child or the qualifying child of any other taxpayer. A child is not the qualifying child of any other taxpayer if the child's parent (or any other person for whom the child is defined as a qualifying child) is not required to file an income tax return or files an income tax return only to get a refund on income tax withheld.
2. The person either (a) must be related to you or (b) must live with you all year as a member of your household.
3. The person's gross income for the year must be less than $5,200 (social security does not count) in 2025
4. You must provide more than half of the person's total support for the year.
5. The person must be a U.S. citizen or a U.S., Canada, or Mexico resident for some part of the year.
6. The person must not file a joint return with their spouse with the following exception -
You can claim a person as a dependent who files a joint return if that person and that person’s spouse file the joint return only to claim a refund of income tax withheld or estimated tax paid.

View solution in original post

2 Replies
MinhT1
Expert Alumni

Claiming Adult Child (26) in Graduate School as a Dependent

Yes, you can claim your daughter as a dependent and can also claim her education credit by entering her 1098-T on your tax return.

 

If her income is only wages reported on a form W-2, she is not required to file her own tax return. 

 

Please read this TurboTax article on Who Can I Claim as a Tax dependent?

**Say "Thanks" by clicking the thumb icon in a post
**Mark the post that answers your question by clicking on "Mark as Best Answer"

Claiming Adult Child (26) in Graduate School as a Dependent

Since she is age 24 or older, you should be able to claim her as a dependent under the Qualifying Relative rules provided she meets all the requirements under the rules.  If you do claim her as a dependent then the education expenses would be entered on your tax return (Form 1098-T)

 

To be a Qualifying Relative -

1. The person cannot be your qualifying child or the qualifying child of any other taxpayer. A child is not the qualifying child of any other taxpayer if the child's parent (or any other person for whom the child is defined as a qualifying child) is not required to file an income tax return or files an income tax return only to get a refund on income tax withheld.
2. The person either (a) must be related to you or (b) must live with you all year as a member of your household.
3. The person's gross income for the year must be less than $5,200 (social security does not count) in 2025
4. You must provide more than half of the person's total support for the year.
5. The person must be a U.S. citizen or a U.S., Canada, or Mexico resident for some part of the year.
6. The person must not file a joint return with their spouse with the following exception -
You can claim a person as a dependent who files a joint return if that person and that person’s spouse file the joint return only to claim a refund of income tax withheld or estimated tax paid.

Unlock tailored help options in your account.

message box icon

Get more help

Ask questions and learn more about your taxes and finances.

Post your Question