Can a parent still claim a child even if the parent is not on the birth certificate?

[KrisD]

Yes

There are rules for claiming a dependent, but a step-child as well as an adopted child, can be considered your child, even if your name is not on the birth certificate.

Please review to see if this child qualifies.

CLICK HERE for TurboTax help on Rules for Claiming a Dependent on Your Tax Return

[foor18]

Do you have to be on the birth certificate to claim your child. The hospital I went to was relguis

[KrisD]

No, if you are the child's parent, you can claim the child as long as you meet the other requirements.
Qualifying Child
1. The child must be your son, daughter, stepchild, foster child, brother, sister, half-brother, half-sister, stepbrother, stepsister, or a descendant of any of them.
2. The child must be (a) under age 19 at the end of the year and younger than you (or your spouse if filing jointly), (b) under age 24 at the end of the year, a student, and younger than you (or your spouse if filing jointly), or (c) any age if permanently and totally disabled.
3. The child must have lived with you for more than half of the year.
4. The child must not have provided more than half of his or her own support for the year.
5. The child must not be filing a joint return for the year (unless that joint return is filed only to claim a refund of withheld income tax or estimated tax paid).

[foor18]

Okay thanks but how does the IRS determine if you have a child. I'm not on the birth certificate cause holly spirt hospital is religious. My daughter and son live with me all year and I supported them all year

[KrisD]

They want a Social Security number for the child, that is all. Only one person can claim that Social Security number. If they are younger than you, live with you, and you support them, you can claim them.

[foor18]

Okay thanks I just don't want to have any problems. I've been searching the web and keep getting different answers I didn't want to get in trouble claiming them if I'm not on the birth certificate. I really appreciate. That even for this year as well. I know stuff changes over time

[KrisD]

You're good. You can go to the county office and add your name to her birth certificate.

[foor18]

Thanks