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February 10, 2021
Question

Should I claim my son as a dependent or would it be more worthwhile to not claim him and let him do his own taxes?

  • February 10, 2021
  • 1 reply
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I am not sure how much additional it gets me for a return versus how much he would get if he still files his own tax return.

1 reply

February 10, 2021

You should prepare a support worksheet to see whether your child or you provide more than half his support.  

 

The person who provides more than half the support for your son is the one entitled to claim him as a dependent.

 

Support also includes the cost of maintaining a home for him to live in, clothing, food, etc.

 

Support Worksheet for Dependents in IRS Publication 501 on page 15

 

There are often other credits that are awarded on a return for claiming the child as a dependent that will increase the filer's refund.