I was a student all year and graduated in December. I had a baby during the spring semester and could only work a little during the summer. I earned less than $1500. Can I claim my child on my taxes this year?
You can use this tool from the IRS to figure it out:
https://www.irs.gov/help/ita/whom-may-i-claim-as-a-dependent
Can your parents claim you as a dependent? (If you’re under 24 and others cover more than half your living costs, they can.) With less than $1500 in income, you don’t qualify for the ACTC, and if your parents can claim you, you also can’t get the EIC. If your parents are eligible, they could claim both you and your child for more tax benefits.
Jai said:
@Keelan
I’m 26, and my family covered most of my expenses. Should I just skip filing taxes?
You can still file to get any refund you’re owed, but it might be better for your mother-in-law to claim both you and the baby. She could benefit from the credits.
Jai said:
@Keelan
I’m 26, and my family covered most of my expenses. Should I just skip filing taxes?
Since you’re over 24, you can’t be claimed as a qualifying child, which means you could claim the EIC if you claim your baby.
Do you and your child live with your parents? If so, they might get more benefit by claiming your child for tax purposes. If not, calculate how much EIC you qualify for if you claim the child. If it’s more than $500, it’s worth claiming your child. Otherwise, let someone else claim them. Either way, file if you had taxes withheld from your paycheck to get a refund.
Did you live with anyone else, like family or your partner? And was the $1500 from a regular W-2 job? What state are you in?
Kim said:
Did you live with anyone else, like family or your partner? And was the $1500 from a regular W-2 job? What state are you in?
I live with my mother-in-law, and my partner sends money sometimes for baby stuff. I live in Texas.
Kim said:
@Jai
Did you stay with your mother-in-law all year? Does your partner have a steady income?
Yes, I lived with her all year. My partner has a steady job—he’s a teacher.
Kim said:
@Jai
Did you stay with your mother-in-law all year? Does your partner have a steady income?
Yes, I lived with her all year. My partner has a steady job—he’s a teacher.
If your mother-in-law earns more than $40k, it’s probably best for her to claim both you and the baby to maximize the credits.
Kim said:
Did you live with anyone else, like family or your partner? And was the $1500 from a regular W-2 job? What state are you in?
Yes, the $1500 was from a W-2 job.
You might be able to claim your child, but it might save more money if someone else does. Are you married? Who covers the costs where you and your child live? Does your partner live there too?
Blake said:
You might be able to claim your child, but it might save more money if someone else does. Are you married? Who covers the costs where you and your child live? Does your partner live there too?
I’m not married. My mother-in-law pays for most things. My partner stays here part-time and in another city part-time. He doesn’t pay for the house.
@Jai
It sounds like the best move is for your mother-in-law to file as Head of Household and claim you and the baby. That way, she can take advantage of education and child-related tax credits. You would file as Single and check the box saying you can be claimed as a dependent. Your partner should file as Single with no dependents.
Blake said:
You might be able to claim your child, but it might save more money if someone else does. Are you married? Who covers the costs where you and your child live? Does your partner live there too?
You can’t claim a dependent if you’re one yourself. It doesn’t sound like you have the income to support a household, so someone else might need to claim both you and your baby.
@Ellis
It’s possible to live off savings or other support. You shouldn’t assume it’s impossible without asking first.