Why sign in to the Community?

  • Submit a question
  • Check your notifications
Sign in to the Community or Sign in to TurboTax and start working on your taxes
New Member
posted Jun 4, 2019 6:27:12 PM

If my child and I lived with my mother most of last year are we considered her dependents or am I independent and can claim my own child?

I'm over 24 years old and made over $4050. I did not pay rent so is that considered more than half my living expenses? 

0 7 774
1 Best answer
Level 15
Jun 4, 2019 6:27:13 PM

You are not your mother's dependent and may file and claim your child.

However, a child can be the “qualifying child” dependent of any close relative in the household. If you live with  your parents, it may be better if she claims your child. It may be worthwhile to prepare trial returns, both ways,  to see which way the family comes out best. This tool may be useful: https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tools/calculators/taxcaster/?s=1.

But only one of you can claim the child. Your mother must have more income than you, to be eligible to claim your child.

7 Replies
Level 15
Jun 4, 2019 6:27:13 PM

You are not your mother's dependent and may file and claim your child.

However, a child can be the “qualifying child” dependent of any close relative in the household. If you live with  your parents, it may be better if she claims your child. It may be worthwhile to prepare trial returns, both ways,  to see which way the family comes out best. This tool may be useful: https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tools/calculators/taxcaster/?s=1.

But only one of you can claim the child. Your mother must have more income than you, to be eligible to claim your child.

New Member
Jun 4, 2019 6:27:14 PM

We no longer live with her, thank you for the reply

Level 15
Jun 4, 2019 6:27:16 PM

It's not where you live now; it's where you lived in 2017. If you lived with her more than half the year, it's optional who claims the child (it's your choice, not your mom's choice)

New Member
Jun 4, 2019 6:27:18 PM

No, you and your child would not be dependents of your mother.

To be a qualified dependent of your mother, you must meet the following qualifications:

Relationship — the taxpayer’s child or stepchild (whether by blood or adoption), foster child, sibling or step-sibling, or a descendant of one of these.

Residence — has the same principal residence as the taxpayer for more than half the tax year. Exceptions apply, in certain cases, for children of divorced or separated parents, kidnapped children, temporary absences, and for children who were born or died during the year.

Age — must be under the age of 19 at the end of the tax year, or under the age of 24 if a full-time student for at least five months of the year, or be permanently and totally disabled at any time during the year.

Support — did not provide more than one-half of his/her own support for the year.

New Member
Jun 4, 2019 6:27:20 PM

So then she can't claim me due to my age, yet can claim my child?

New Member
Jun 4, 2019 6:27:21 PM

Sorry, didnt see the beginning of your answer, thank you

Level 15
Jun 4, 2019 6:27:23 PM

The first part is wrong. You cannot be a dependent of your mom, but your child can. It's optional whether you or your mother claim the child.