Claim as a Dependent

[abraddock12]

Can I claim my son? He graduated in June 2023 from High school. Has lived with me since he was a baby, but in July he left home to join the Navy. So he’s been getting paid by the Navy since July 5th. He was 18 in 2023, turned 19 in December of 2023. Does he do his taxes for his 1/2 year? I’m so confused. Any help is appreciated. 

[DianeW777]

No, it would seem he has provided more than half of his own support in 2023, due to the income for half the year, then you cannot claim him inn 2023.

You can claim a child, relative, friend, fiancé(e), and so on as a dependent on your 2023 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 US 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).
  • There's 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.
  • Who does qualify as a dependent?

Yes, your son does have to file a return for his own earnings for the whole year.  If you do find you are unable to claim him, be sure he does not select that he is being claimed by someone else on his return.  

Review the information, however it would seem you probably will not be able to claim him for 2023 since he worked six months earning his own wages.