Can I claim my college kids as dependents on my state taxes but not my federal taxes?

[dandy234]

There is no tax benefit for me to claim them on federal taxes, but there is for state taxes. If I don't claim them for federal taxes, then they can get the American Opportunity credit when they file their tax returns.

[DawnC0]

The actual rules for adding dependents to your state return depend on the laws in your state.  In TurboTax, dependent information is pulled from the federal return.  In most states, you cannot add a dependent that is not on your federal return, but there are exceptions (CA allows state-only dependents).  When you go through the state return, TurboTax will ask about adding dependents to your state return if it is allowed in your state.