Should my spouse keep his w2 showing that he has a dependent child who we can claim for the tax year but who moved out in September?

[shaojinli]

Hi, I asked a question earlier about claiming our son who moved out of the house in September and no longer receives support from us (he is 19).   However, he lived with us and we supported him fully more than half of 2022 (I received that answer from you - that we CAN claim him as a dependent).

In September when he moved out, my husband changed his W2 to indicate that his son is no longer a dependent as of September 2022.  However, since we will claim him for the tax year, should my husband change his W2 back and still show him as a dependent?  Or it's OK to change the W2 b/c the change was later in the year?  thank you!

[xmasbaby0]

Your spouse did not change his W-2.   He may have changed the W-4 that he gave to the employer to indicate how much tax he wants withheld from his paychecks.  There is no such thing as claiming a dependent for part of the year.   You claim a dependent all year or not at all.   There is only a short time left for 2023 anyhow, so it's up to you and your spouse whether he wants to annoy his employer by changing the W-4 again.

[xmasbaby0]

I just re-read your post..   This is 2023.  What tax year are you asking about?    Your post mentions 2022.   Are you still working on a tax return for tax year 2022?   Or are you asking what to do for the upcoming tax year---the 2023 tax return you will prepare and file next year in 2024?