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New Member
posted Mar 24, 2025 8:19:44 AM

22 year old dependent child shows NOT a dependent in filling out my tax return for 2024

I went thru my personal profile this year for tax year 2024 and in reviewing my children I answered all the questions for my 22 year old biological child who is a full-time college student. She does not provide for over half of her own support and made $5,900 or so in her own income in 2024. Turbotax shows she is NOT my dependent because she made too much in gross income but the IRS shows that she IS my dependent and that her income is irrelevant. It is her support that is relevant, which we provide. Why is this?

 

Thank you!

0 4 2505
4 Replies
Level 15
Mar 24, 2025 8:21:41 AM

We have seen some users who missed an important screen for their college student dependents----click your child's name in MY INFO and go slowly and carefully through the screens again.  Watch for the one called "Uncommon Tax Situations"----that is the one where you can mark that he was a full-time student.

Expert Alumni
Mar 24, 2025 8:23:14 AM

Go back and double check your answers.  Select edit next to her name and walk through ALL the questions again. You should not have been asked about how much she made as it is not relevant in this situation.  Be sure that you marked that she is a full time student. 

New Member
Mar 24, 2025 8:36:29 AM

Thanks for replying...I see where the full-time student box was not marked. Soooooo sorry for that user error. But glad it is working out in my favor after all!

 

If a full-time student turned age 24 in 2024 though, they are not dependent eligible if they made over $5,000, right?

 

Thank you so much. Sorry to have wasted your time but it's appreciated.

Expert Alumni
Mar 24, 2025 8:39:20 AM

Yes, that is correct, except the amount is $5,050.

 

The tests for a qualifying child are:

  • Relationship: Must be your child, adopted child, foster child, brother or sister, or a descendant of one of these (grand or nephew).
  • Residence: Must have the same residence for more than half the year.
  • Age: Must be under age 19 or under 24 and a full-time student for at least 5 months. They can be any age if they are totally and permanently disabled.
  • Support: The dependent must not have provided more than half of their own support during the year.
  • Joint Support: The child cannot file a joint return for the year.

 

The tests for a qualifying relative are:

  • Qualifying Child: They are not the “qualifying child” of another taxpayer or your “qualifying child.”
  • Gross Income: The dependent being claimed earns less than $5,050 in 2024.
  • Total Support: You provide more than half of the total support for the year.
  • Member of Household or Relationship: The person (a friend, girlfriend, non-blood relative) must live with you all year as a member of your household or be related to you.