My son here in Japan was enrolled in university until March 31. Can I claim his as a dependent?

Forum|Forum|7 years ago
May 31, 2019
4 replies
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I'm a US citizen living in Japan. My son has been enrolled in a university here for 3 years. He was enrolled until March 31 of 2016. He went to the US in April for a "gap year." He lived with a friend and worked part-time. He will return this coming February and go back to university from April 2017 to April 2018. Can I claim him as a dependent for 2016? For 2017? Can I get the university credit for 2016? 2017?

Best answer by SweetieJean

Unfortunately, he does not meet the definition of a Full Time Stuident for 2016, since he was only in school for 3 months. As a result, he cannot be a Qualifying Child.

In order to be a Qualifying Relative, his 2016 income must be less than $4,050. So he can't be that either.

Thus, you cannot claim him as a dependent (nor claim his education costs) for 2016, but may be able to do so for 2017.

S

SweetieJean

Employee

How old will he be on 12/31/2016, and whats his expected 2016 income?

E

eddietragicAuthor

Employee

He'll be 22. I think his income will be around $5,000.

E

eddietragicAuthor

Employee

Just checked with him. He said 10k, but I'm unsure. At any rate, somewhere between 5 and 10k

S

SweetieJeanAnswer

Employee

Unfortunately, he does not meet the definition of a Full Time Stuident for 2016, since he was only in school for 3 months. As a result, he cannot be a Qualifying Child.

In order to be a Qualifying Relative, his 2016 income must be less than $4,050. So he can't be that either.

Thus, you cannot claim him as a dependent (nor claim his education costs) for 2016, but may be able to do so for 2017.