Can a 17 year old file taxes if they are independent with a child on their own.

[lawarren3]

I have a 17 year old now living in my home Since the beginning of this year (2023) but was not living in her parents home all of last year (2022) and was living on her own with her baby.  Can she file her own taxes and claim her baby as well.  Her parents asked to claim her but she supported herself last year and her baby and I feel they do not have a right to claim the 17 year old she was independent with child and she should claim herself.  But I want to make sure I am correct.  Thank you in advance for advice.

[Critter-3]

Although a parent can claim a dependent up to the age of 19 they still must be a qualifying dependent so if the child did not live with the parents for more than 1/2 the year AND the child was self supporting they cannot claim the child.  So the 17 year old may file their own return and claim a dependent of their own.

You can claim a child, relative, friend, or fiancé (etc.) as a dependent on your 2022 taxes as long as they meet the following requirements:

Qualifying child

• They're related to you.
• They aren't claimed as a dependent by someone else.
• They're a U.S. citizen, resident alien, national, or a Canadian or Mexican resident.
• They aren’t filing a joint return with their spouse.
• They're under the age of 19 (or 24 for full-time students).
• No age limit for permanently and totally disabled children.
• They lived with you for more than half the year (exceptions apply).
• They didn't provide more than half of their own support for the year.

Qualifying relative

• They don't have to be related to you (despite the name).
• They aren't claimed as a dependent by someone else.
• They're a U.S. citizen, resident alien, national, or a Canadian or Mexican resident.
• They aren’t filing a joint return with their spouse.
• They lived with you the entire year (exceptions apply).
• They made less than $4,400 in 20222.

You provided more than half of their financial support

[lawarren3]

@Critter-3 Thank You!

[BrittanyS]

Yes, she can file a return claiming herself and her child as a dependent if she does not qualify to be claimed as a dependent on someone else return and provides more than half her support.

Since she has not lived with her parents for at least half the year she does not qualify as a qualifying child on her parents return.  To qualify as a dependent on her parents return she would have to meet the following qualifications:

1. Child under the age of 19 or a full-time student under the age of 24
2. Child must live with you for more than half the year unless certain exceptions apply
3. Child cannot provide more than half of their own support

For more information, see the link below:

Claiming a Dependent