I became a legal guardian of my niece 12/8/17. Am I able to claim this dependent on my 2017 taxes?

[xmasbaby0]

How long has she lived with you in 2017?

[SweetieJean]

and did either of her parents live with you?

[sh9mr]

I became her legal court appointed guardian 12/8/17.

[xmasbaby0]

Does she live with you?  If so, when did she begin living with you?

[sh9mr]

Neither of her parents live or have lived with me ever.  My niece lives with me and has since 12/3/17.

[xmasbaby0 · Accepted solution]

So she has only lived with you for several weeks in 2017.  In order to claim her as a dependent in 2017 she would have to live with you for at least half of 2017.

IRS interview to help determine who can be claimed:

https://www.irs.gov/help/ita/who-can-i-claim-as-a-dependent

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/3113432-who-can-i-claim-as-my-dependent  

[sh9mr]

Thank you everyone for the help!

[xmasbaby0]

You are welcome.  Hope it all goes well for you and your niece!

[SweetieJean]

Sorry, you cannot, as she did not live with you more than 50% of 2017.