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Mason Davis

Child turning 18 in December - Does she qualify as dependent for tax year?

My child turned 18 in December. Does she still qualify as my dependent for this tax year? I've always claimed her but now im confused because she turned 18 at the end of the year. She lived with me all year and was a full time student.

Yes, your child qualifies as your dependent. The age test for qualifying child looks at their age on December 31st of the tax year. Since she was 18 on Dec 31st and a full-time student, she meets the age requirement. Full-time students can be claimed until they turn 24.

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omg thank you so much! I was stressing about this 😅

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Same boat here except mine turned 19. This helps alot!

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Is this legit? How does it work exactly?

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quick tip: make sure shes not filing her own return and claiming herself! that'll cause problems

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good point! she doesnt work yet so we're good there

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lol the IRS makes everything so complicated fr. why cant they just make this stuff clear 🤡

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Does she provide more than half of her own support? Thats another thing to consider besides just age

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nope i pay for everything still

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Just to add some clarity - the key tests for a qualifying child are: age (under 19 or under 24 if full-time student), relationship (your child), residency (lived with you more than half the year), and support (didn't provide more than half their own support). Sounds like your daughter meets all of these! The December birthday actually works in your favor since she was still 18 on Dec 31st.

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