Question-if i only worked for 3 months can I still claim my children on my taxes?

[bwa]

The number of months you worked isn't a criteria.  Are you the custodial parent (the parent the child lived with for more than 182 days in 2016?)

[mlhampton666]

Yes I have full custody of both my children and they are 2 and 3 years old and they live with me all year.

[mlhampton666]

Thank-you so much for the help. You was very informative and helpful!!! Have a good night.

[Critter]

Important info for 2016 returns ....

IRS start date announced : <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://www.irs.gov/uac/2017-tax-filing-season-begins-jan-23-for-nations-taxpayers-with-tax-returns-...>

IRS warns of refund delays for some filers : <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/refund-timing">https://www.irs.gov/individuals/refund-timing</a>

IRS will not issue PINs this year ... you must have your 2015 AGI or self selected PIN to efile a return via a self prepared program: <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/electronic-filing-pin-request">https://www.irs.gov/individuals/elect...>

[bwa · Accepted solution]

Yes I have full custody of both my children and they are 2 and 3 years old and they live with me all year.

Then in all likelihood they would be your dependents and due to credits such as the Earned Income Tax credit could result in a refund to you. 

Dependents include qualifying children. To be a qualifying child -

• they must not file a joint return with a spouse.
• the child must be your son, daughter, parent, sibling, grandchildren, foster child, niece, nephew, etc.,
• the child must be under the age of 19 (or 24 if a full time student for any part of 5 months during the year),
• the child must not provide more than 1/2 of their own support, and
• the child must live with you more than 1/2 of the year, including temporary absences such as being away for schooling.
• The age limit is waived if your child is totally and permanently disabled on the last day of the year.