Claiming dependents

[BlakeQ43]

I’m wondering if I can claim my girlfriends 2 children and my one child with her if she is not a tax payer?

[xmasbaby0 · Accepted solution]

Did they live with you for the WHOLE year in 2024?   Did you pay for over half their support---food, shelter, clothing, medical expenses, school supplies, etc. etc. etc.?

You might be able to claim your GF and her children as "qualified relative" dependents and for each of them you get a $500 credit for other dependents.  You do not get child tax credit or earned income credit for your GF's children.

If you are claiming a child of your own, you can use Head of Household filing status and claim your child for all of the child-related credits for which you qualify.

Qualifying relative

• They don't have to be related to you (despite the name).
• They aren't claimed as a dependent by someone else.
• They're a U.S. citizen, resident alien, national, or a Canadian or Mexican resident.
• They aren’t filing a joint return with their spouse.
• They lived with you the entire year (exceptions apply).
• They made less than $5050 in 2024 (not counting Social Security)
• You provided more than half of their financial support.