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New Member
posted Feb 13, 2025 2:56:53 PM

An elderly parent lives with me as a dependent. TT keeps referring to it as a child credit. How can I correct this?

0 5 2007
5 Replies
Level 15
Feb 13, 2025 3:00:13 PM

You have to enter their correct data of birth in the format MM/DDYYYY.  In the Relationship section you have to select Another person and then from the dropdown choose Parent.

Expert Alumni
Feb 13, 2025 3:09:22 PM

To edit your dependent’s birth date, go the Personal Profile Section and select that dependent.  Review the TurboTax Help article How do I add or remove a dependent? for navigation instructions to edit your dependent.

 

For additional information, review the TurboTax article Steps to Claiming an Elderly Parent as a Dependent.

New Member
Feb 13, 2025 3:19:35 PM

The birthdate is correct.  It just keeps referring to it as a child credit.  This person is an "other dependent" and has been so listed for a few years, nothing has changed.  But this year TurboTax keeps calling it a child credit.

 

New Member
Feb 13, 2025 3:22:31 PM

I did that.  The birthdate is correct.  They are listed as parent.  They are listed as an "other dependent.  Really, they have been an "other dependent for a few years.  This is not new.  I have not done anything different.  TurboTax is now treating it as a child credit.  TurboTax is doing this, not me.

Expert Alumni
Feb 20, 2025 6:09:35 AM

Look at your form 1040 to see if it is giving you the Child Tax Credit or the Other Dependent Credit.  It may be just the wording that is being used.

 

You will see which credit you are getting by looking at their name on the first page of your return under dependents.  If the Other Dependent Credit is checked, then it is just a wording issue.  

 

If for some reason the child tax credit is checked, you can delete your parent by clicking the trashcan next to their name in the personal info section, clear you cache and cookies and then re-enter.