full time student interpretation

Hello

my daughter was 23 in 2024 and graduated in the university ceremony with a 4 yr degree on April 26... 5 days shy of May 1. I understand that a full-time student means 5 months in school. How rigid is this interpretation. The university she attends used to have their ceremony in early May. I would like to claim her as a dependent because I am still covering more than 50% of her expenses.

1085

1 Best answer

Expert Alumni

Feb 18, 2025 2:22:48 PM

Very rigid. If she was a student on May 1st, you can claim her. If she was not a student for at least one day during 5 months, you cannot claim her.

Does she have income? If so, is it less than $5,050? If her income is less than $5,050 then you can still claim her as a qualifying relative dependent on your return. This will still allow the same $500 Other dependent Credit and for you to file as Head of Household.

To claim someone as a Qualifying Relative, they must be:

Your child ( including step children, adoptive children and foster children) or a descendent of them
Not a qualifying child of another taxpayer
Someone that you provided over half of their support for during the tax year
Has less than $5,050 in income (not counting social security)

Expert Alumni

Feb 18, 2025 2:22:48 PM

Very rigid. If she was a student on May 1st, you can claim her. If she was not a student for at least one day during 5 months, you cannot claim her.

To claim someone as a Qualifying Relative, they must be:

Your child ( including step children, adoptive children and foster children) or a descendent of them
Not a qualifying child of another taxpayer
Someone that you provided over half of their support for during the tax year
Has less than $5,050 in income (not counting social security)

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full time student interpretation