Question

Can my parent claim me as a dependent?

Forum|Forum|2 years ago
January 7, 2024
2 replies
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During the tax year, I was 23 and completed my program on April 29, 2023. One of the required qualifications for a parent to claim you is to be under 24 and a full-time student for AT LEAST 5 months. Technically, I was a day short of hitting 5 months.

When filing my taxes, do I select “no” to “can another taxpayer (such as your parent) claim you as a dependent?” since I didn’t hit the 5 months mark?

Not A Product Question

Critter-3

Interesting ... most schools make sure the semester ends sometime in May to match the IRS 5 month rule ... was your last day of class in April but the semester ended in May ?

T

trumpet365Author

On my diploma, it says “degree awarded: April 30, 2023”. So I’m assuming that the semester ended on that date.

Critter-3

Well then you have your answer ...

A dependent must meet the requirements of a qualifying child or a qualifying relative in order for you to claim them on your tax return.

The tests for a qualifying child are:

Relationship: Must be your child, adopted child, foster child, brother or sister, or a descendant of one of these (grand or nephew).
Residence: Must have the same residence 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. They can be any age if they are totally and permanently disabled.
Support: The dependent must not have provided more than half of their own support during the year.
Joint Support: The child cannot file a joint return for the year.

The tests for a qualifying relative are:

Qualifying Child: They are not the “qualifying child” of another taxpayer or your “qualifying child.”
Gross Income: The dependent being claimed earns less than $4,400 in 2022.
Total Support: You provide more than half of the total support for the year.
Member of Household or Relationship: The person (a friend, girlfriend, non-blood relative) must live with you all year as a member of your household or be related to you.