At what age is a child no longer a tax deduction?

Asked by: Karianne Swift  |  Last update: December 16, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (44 votes)

Taxpayers can claim a child tax credit (CTC) of up to $2,000 for each child under age 17 who is a citizen. The credit is reduced by 5 percent of adjusted gross income over $200,000 for single parents ($400,000 for married couples).

What age can you no longer claim a child on taxes?

Make sure your dependent meets the IRS requirements. Generally, the IRS requires that the child is under the age of 19 (or under 24 if a full-time student), lives with you for more than half the year, and does not provide more than half of their own financial support.

Why doesn't my 17 year old qualify for Child Tax Credit?

The rationale? You would have to ask Congress that question. Congress passed that child tax credit law years ago with the cut off at age 17. For 2021 ONLY, they allowed folks to get the child tax credit for children under the age of 18 instead of age 17, but for tax year 2022 it reverted to the ``old'' criteria.

At what age do you lose the Child Tax Credit?

YCTC may provide you with cash back or reduce any tax you owe. California families qualify with earned income of $31,950 or less. You also must have a qualifying child under 6 years old at the end of the tax year and qualify for CalEITC – with one exception.

Can I still claim my 18 year old as a dependent if they work?

Yes, a child under age 19 or a full time student under age 24 can still be claimed as a dependent regardless of the amount of income she has.

At What Age Does A Child Have To File A Tax Return?

41 related questions found

Can I claim my daughter as a dependent if she made over $4000?

The child must have lived with you for more than half of the year.2 3. The person's gross income for the year must be less than $4,300.3 Gross income means all income the person received in the form of money, goods, property and services, that isn't exempt from tax.

Is it better not to claim my college student as a dependent?

Cons of Claiming a College Student as a Dependent

If your child has earned income and you claim them as a dependent, they lose the opportunity to claim their own personal exemption (when applicable in future years) and certain tax credits that could be more advantageous for them.

Why can't I claim my 17 year old on my taxes?

To meet the qualifying child test, your child must be younger than you or your spouse if filing jointly and either younger than 19 years old or be a "student" younger than 24 years old as of the end of the calendar year.

What is the Child Tax Credit for dependents over 17?

The maximum credit amount is $500 for each dependent who meets certain conditions. This credit can be claimed for: Dependents of any age, including those who are age 18 or older. Dependents who have Social Security numbers or Individual Taxpayer Identification numbers.

What age does earned income credit stop?

be age 25 but under 65 at the end of the year, not qualify as a dependent of another person, and.

Can I claim my 17 year old on my taxes in 2024?

You can claim the Child Tax Credit for each qualifying child who has a Social Security number that is valid for employment in the United States. To be a qualifying child for the 2024 tax year, your dependent generally must: Be under 17 at the end of the tax year.

Why am I no longer eligible for Child Tax Credit?

7) Family income test - The Child Tax Credit is reduced if your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) is above certain amounts, which are determined by your tax-filing status. For the 2024 and 2025 tax years, the phaseout of the credit begins with $200,000 in income ($400,000 for Married Filing Jointly).

What disqualifies you from earned income credit?

You can't claim the EIC unless your investment income is $11,600 or less. If your investment income is more than $11,600, you can't claim the credit. Use Worksheet 1 in this chapter to figure your investment income.

How long can you claim an adult child as a dependent?

There is no age limit for how long you can claim adult children or other relatives as dependents, but they must meet other IRS requirements to continue to qualify. Additionally, once they are over 18 and no longer a student, they can only qualify as an "other dependent," not a qualifying child.

What is considered a full-time student for taxes?

Yes, your child may be claimed as a dependent if age 19 or a full-time student under age 24 at the end of the year. To be considered a full-time student, the child must be enrolled for the number of hours or courses the school considers to be full time and must be a student for at least five months during the year.

Should the parent with higher income claim the child?

If a child lived with each parent the same amount of time during the year, the IRS allows the parent with the higher adjusted gross income (AGI) to claim the child.

Am I a dependent if I am 17?

Claiming dependents: Qualifying child tests and requirements

Under the age of 19 and be younger than you (or your spouse, if filing jointly), or: Be under age 24, be a full-time student, and be younger than you (or your spouse, if filing jointly), or. Be permanently and totally disabled regardless of age.

Why is my Child Tax Credit only $500?

The maximum credit amount is $500 for each qualifying person. The credit begins to decrease in value if your adjusted gross income exceeds $200,000 ($400,000 for married filing jointly).

How to qualify for the American Opportunity credit?

An eligible student is defined as a student who:
  1. Is enrolled at least half-time in a program leading to a degree, certificate, or other recognized credential.
  2. Had at least one academic period beginning during the year.
  3. Didn't claim the American Opportunity Tax Credit for more than three previous years.

What happens if my child turns 17 in tax year?

The child tax credit provides a credit of up to $2,000 per child under age 17. If the credit exceeds taxes owed, families may receive up to $1,600 per child as a refund. Other dependents—including children ages 17–18 and full-time college students ages 19–24—can receive a nonrefundable credit of up to $500 each.

When can you no longer be claimed as a dependent?

Once your child reaches the age of 18, they are considered an adult in the eyes of the IRS. However, if they are still a full-time student, you can continue to claim them as a dependent until they turn 24. Once they are no longer a full-time student, you must stop claiming them.

Can I claim my 16 year old if she works?

You can claim a child who works as a dependent if they still meet the requirements to be a qualifying child – including the age, relationship, residency, and support tests.

Am I independent if my parents don't claim me as a dependent?

Not living with parents or not being claimed by them on tax forms does not make you an independent student for purposes of applying for federal student aid.

How long can I claim my college student child as a dependent?

A part-time college student can only be claimed as a dependent if they are under 19 years old. However, the age limit for dependents is extended if your dependent is considered a full-time student. If your dependent is a full-time student, they can be claimed up to 24 years old.

Will I get more money as a dependent or independent student?

As a dependent student, your annual and aggregate federal student loan limits are typically lower than those for independent students. However, your parents can apply for a Parent PLUS Loan to help cover your educational costs.