Remove depend so they mother can get a larger refund. I have 3 depends. I'm thinking of allowing they mother claim 1kid of 3. Good or bad idea??

[LindaS5247]

That depends; we would not have enough information to determine the effect it would have on your tax return, but keep these things in mind:

in order for her to be able to claim a dependent on her tax return, the following tests must be met: regarding the child:

• Relationship: Must be her child, adopted child, foster child, brother or sister, or a descendant.
• Residence: Must have the same residence as the child for  more than half the year.
• Age: Must be under age 19 or under 24 and a full-time student for at least 5 months or any age if they are totally and permanently disabled.
• Support: Must not have provided more than half of their own support during the year.
• Joint Support: The child is not filing a joint return for the year.

Also keep in mind, claiming a dependent can also impact other rules that also apply to ‌some other benefits, such as:

• Earned Income Tax Credit
• Child and Dependent Care Credit for daycare expenses
• Medical expense deductions, various other itemized deductions and most tax credits that involve children or family issues 

Qualifying for these benefits could make the big difference on a tax return as to whether you owe money or receive a refund.

You could try removing a dependent from your tax return to see how much impact it would have on your taxes.  

Click here for"Rules to Claiming a Dependent on Your Tax Return."

Click here for "Who Can I Claim as a Dependent?"

Please feel free to come back to TurboTax Community with additional information or questions or click here for help in contacting Turbo Tax Support. 

[caseymoran93]

She is the dependents mother.

The dependent is only 5 years old.

The 5 year old dependent did stay  for then months with they mother.

I was just worried cause it's the first time the mother is claiming the dependent.