Claim boyfriends child as dependant

[tarahthompson]

My boyfriend has a son with another woman and we have a daughter together. His son lived with us from July 2015 until August 2016 and I provided for him solely. Can I claim him on my taxes.

[MargaretL]

No, you cannot claim your boyfriend's child.

One of the qualifications for claiming your boyfriend's child is that the child must have lived with your for the entire 2016 year.

You can claim your boyfriend's child, (as qualifying relative) if:

• No other taxpayer can claim them as dependents (qualifying children),
• They lived for the entire year with you, and
• You paid more than half for their support. 

Below link provides more information on dependency rules:

https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tools/tax-tips/Family/Rules-for-Claiming-a-Dependent-on-Your-Tax-Ret...

[tarahthompson]

So because he only lived with me for 8 of 12 months in 2016 (Yet over a year total combining 2015/16) even though I supported him solely, I can receive no benefit?

[MargaretL]

That is correct, unfortunately... You can claim your boyfriend's children (as qualifying relatives) if:
· No other taxpayer can claim them as dependents (qualifying children), AND
· They lived for the entire year with You, AND
· You paid more than half for their support.

[tarahthompson]

So then my boyfriend (his dad) could claim him then?