Deduction for student in college

[Shooteneq1]

I have a child who is 20yo (turned 20 in July of 2024) She lives at home and is going to college full time. She has a job and made $15,400 in 2024. How do I got about filing taxes for this? Can I claim her as a dependent? I certainly carry more than half her living expenses since she pays zero bills while living with us. If i can claim her as a dependent does she still need to file taxes on her own but just put down that she is a dependent of someone? I just want to make sure I get this right. 

[MindyB]

Yes, you can claim her, as the information you provided confirms she met all the rules, shared below.  Make sure you check the box in TurboTax that indicated she was a full-time student in 2024 in the ‌ interview section.

Here are the rules for a qualifying child, from Rules for Claiming Dependents on Taxes:

• "Are they related to you? The child can be your son, daughter, stepchild, eligible foster child, brother, sister, half-brother, half-sister, stepbrother, stepsister, adopted child or an offspring of any of them.
• Do they meet the age requirement? Your child must be under age 19 or, if a full-time student, under age 24. There's no age limit if your child is permanently and totally disabled.
• Do they live with you? Your child must live with you for more than half the year, but several exceptions apply.
• Do you financially support them? Your child may have a job, but they cannot provide more than half of their own support.

Also, she will not qualify for the child tax credit, but she may qualify for the $500 credit for other dependents.

Here is some more detailed information: Rules for Claiming Dependents on Taxes.

Your daughter does need to file her own tax return, as she has made more than the standard deduction of $14,600.  She will indicate on her return that someone else can claim her.  See this helpful article for more information: Do I need to file my own taxes if I'm a dependent?