Solved: Can I claim my child as a dependent on my Federal Return, but not on my Maryland Return?

SonomaOak · Mar 31, 2024 3:48:47 PM

I get no benefit from Maryland for dependents (I make too much), but my child is getting hosed on their small income. I want to claim my child on my federal return, but not on my state return, and my child's federal return will show them as my dependent, but on their state return they will not be a dependent. Can I do this?

Can I claim my child as a dependent on my Federal Return, but not on my Maryland Return?

@NCperson

@avjunior

I don't think we need to go super scary here. If audited, the taxpayer owes what they owe according to the laws of the state. Bad advice could excuse them from any penalties, but they will owe what they owe.

Bottom line is, you are looking for a way around the black letter instructions to save money. The problem will come if and when the state compares their files with the IRS, or if the college financial aid office compares the state and federal returns, or FAFSA compares the state and federal returns. In all cases that I know of, claiming your child on federal but not state will create a discrepancy that someone may want to follow up with.

Good luck.