Can I claim child dependant if I haven't worked?

[amber101009]

I didn't work this year but would like to claim my child dependant

[SweetieJean]

Did you have any income of any kind? Unemployment comp?

[SweetieJean]

Are you married, or living with another adult?

[Hal_Al]

A child living in a household, with more than one relative, can be the qualifying child dependent on either relative,. So it may be better to let the other relative claim him/her.

It the other parent is a non custodial parent, you can let him claim the child, instead. A non custodial parent may claim the child's exemption (dependency) & child tax credit (partially refundable), but not the Earned Income Credit, Head of Household filing status or the day care credit,

[bluedeb · Accepted solution]

With no taxable earned income you would not qualify for any of deductions for your child

The IRS defines earned income as:

• Taxable income you earned as an employee, such as wages, salaries, commissions, and tips;
• Profits from operating your business or farm;
• Long-term disability pay, if received before the minimum retirement age;
• Union strike benefits.
  

[Hal_Al]

The money you hear about people getting for just filing a tax return claiming kids requires you to  have some earned income (wages or self employment). Without earned income, you are not eligible for the "refundable" Earned Income Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit.
If you are over age 23, and are not claimed as a dependent by someone else (e.g. your parent) you may be eligible for the up to $1000 refundable American Opportunity (tuition) Credit. That credit is not dependent on having either kids or earned income. You must be at least a half time undergraduate student and actually paid tuition (not just had it paid by grants). Tuition paid by loans counts as paid by you (since you have to pay that back, someday)

[SweetieJean]

You do not need earned income (just taxable income) to get  the dependent exemption.

[aprilbrooke]

What if you get SSDI, and thats the only source of income? Can you still get the dependent exemption?

[Hal_Al]

aprilbrooke - Yes. But, the dependent exemption is only a deduction a deduction from income before tax is calculated. It si not something the government gives you. If your only income is SS Disability, it is not taxed at all. In fact, you are not even required to file a tax return. And, will not get anything if you do.