Dependents

[Jenny_91923]

I have a total of 5 children. My oldest is 20, she works full time and a full time college student. She stays in my household and contributes to helping with her younger siblings. Will she be able to file taxes and add claim 1 of her younger siblings as a dependent? What should be her filing status? I make more than her so I file head of household. My younger children range from 1-15 years old. Which one should she claim?

[John-H2021]

Hello Jenny,

You would file as head of household claiming all 5 children and take the education credit for your oldest child on your tax return.

Your oldest child would file as single and being claimed as a dependent on someone elses return, she can't take any of the children as dependents on her return.

Here is a link with more details https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tips/family/rules-for-claiming-a-dependent-on-your-tax-return/L8LODb... 

[Jenny_91923]

So far this year she's made alittle over $12k. I read the article but it wasn't too clear. Are you saying for me to claim her and get the college credit? Is she not able to get the credit or is it best for me to continue to claim her until she reaches age 23 or move out the house? 

[John-H2021]

As long as she is under 24 and a full time student you should claim her as a dependent and take the education credit. 

Because she is able to be claimed as a dependent on your return she is not entitled to the education credit even if you don't claim her

[K M W]

Just to clarify on taking your oldest daughter as a dependent, as you said she works full time. One of the rules to claim her as a "qualifying child" is that she did not provide for over half her support during the year. So, if she used her income to provide for her support, and she paid over half of her own support, then she cannot be a dependent on your tax return. Support includes amounts spent to provide food, lodging, clothing, education, medical and dental are, recreation, transportation, and similar necessities.

[Jenny_91923]

She does work full time and does not buy food and pays no bills but her car payment and insurance. So no she does not take care of herself. She's on my medical, dental, and vision insurance. She recently just got braces that I pay for. 

[John-H2021]

Sounds like you definately provide support so you should claim her  on your return

[K M W]

Thanks for the follow up information! So it sounds like she does NOT pay for over 1/2 her own support. Given that, the fact that she is your daughter, under age 24 and a full time student and lives with you, she is your dependent. 

As she is considered your dependent, she cannot claim a dependent on her tax return. So, no, she cannot claim one of her siblings as a dependent. You would claim all of the children on your tax return as your dependents.