Dependent child turns 18 years old in 2022 and has enlisted in the military

[JTL9230]

If my dependent child turns 18 y/o in 2022 and has enlisted in the military, am I still able to claim him as a dependent with my HoH filing status?

He is the only dependent I claim when I file HoH status.

Also since he will be earning a paycheck while currently in the military how does that complicate the tax filing process?

By that I mean if he files his own tax return but I am claiming him as a dependent - how would that work?

Thank you

[John-H2021]

Hi JTL9230,

Once your dependent leaves for his training he is no longer a dependent and will need to file his own tax return.

You will not be able to claim him as a dpendent and would need to use the filing status of single instead of head of household

[JTL9230]

Thank you for the info John -

Couple of follow up questions.

Based on the information you provided - I assume I should update my W-4 right away to reflect the change?

My other question is - I realize I will have to file my 2022 income taxes as Single now instead of HoH but is there any consideration that he was a dependent for half the year prior to leaving for military service? 

Or filing status is strictly one of the other (single vs HoH) for the entire year regardless of a status change half way thru 2022? 

[John-H2021 · Accepted solution]

Correct you should update your W-4 to reflect filing as single here is the link to the 2022 W-4 https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fw4.pdf

You can only use one filing status for the year and in your case it would be single.

He will also file as single

Best of luck to him and I want to thank him for his service