What are the rules for claiming an adult dependent?

Asked by: Miss Vada Carroll PhD  |  Last update: February 26, 2026
Score: 4.9/5 (35 votes)

But did you know you can claim adult dependents as well? In general, an adult that you can claim as a dependent on your tax return is either a full-time student under the age of 24, a person who is permanently and totally disabled, or a parent that you support and/or care for.

What are the requirements for claiming an adult dependent?

You must have a qualifying relationship with your would-be dependent. The individual must be either a close relative or must live with you. Qualifying relatives include siblings, half-siblings, and step-siblings. They also include your parents, step-parents, grandparents, and even great-grandparents.

What disqualifies someone from being claimed as a dependent?

You can't claim a married person who files a joint return as a dependent unless that joint return is only to claim a refund of income tax withheld or estimated tax paid. You can't claim a person as a dependent unless that person is a U.S. citizen, U.S. resident alien, U.S. national, or a resident of Canada or Mexico.1.

What are the four requirements to claim a dependent?

To claim a child as a dependent on your tax return, the child must meet all of the following six requirements.
  • The child has to be part of your family. ...
  • The child has to be under a certain age. ...
  • The child has to live with you. ...
  • The child can't provide more than half of their own financial support.

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.

Can you claim adults as dependents?

31 related questions found

When can I no longer claim my child as a dependent?

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.

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

For qualifying dependents who are not a qualifying child (called “qualifying relatives” in tax law), the person's gross income for the 2023 tax year must be below $4,700 (for 2023). For qualifying relatives, they must get more than half of their financial support from you.

Can I claim my 30 year old son as a dependent?

Can I claim him as a dependent? Answer: No, because your child would not meet the age test, which says your “qualifying child” must be under age 19 or 24 if a full-time student for at least 5 months out of the year. To be considered a “qualifying relative”, his income must be less than $5,050 in 2024 ($4,700 in 2023).

What proof does the IRS need to claim a dependent?

The dependent's birth certificate, and if needed, the birth and marriage certificates of any individuals, including yourself, that prove the dependent is related to you. For an adopted dependent, send an adoption decree or proof the child was lawfully placed with you or someone related to you for legal adoption.

How much do you get for a dependent over 18?

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.

Who Cannot be claimed as a Dependant?

Who are dependents? Dependents are either a qualifying child or a qualifying relative of the taxpayer. The taxpayer's spouse cannot be claimed as a dependent. Some examples of dependents include a child, stepchild, brother, sister, or parent.

Can I claim my 22 year old as a dependent?

The IRS defines a dependent as a qualifying child (under age 19 or under 24 if a full-time student, or any age if permanently and totally disabled) or a qualifying relative.

How long can you be claimed as a dependent by your parents?

Can I claim my child as a dependent if they are over 18? Yes, if they meet certain criteria, you can claim your child as a dependent even if they are over 18. For instance, if your dependent is a college student full-time, they can qualify as a dependent up to 24 years old.

What qualifies as an adult Dependant?

In general, an adult that you can claim as a dependent on your tax return is either a full-time student under the age of 24, a person who is permanently and totally disabled, or a parent that you support and/or care for.

Can I claim my 30 year old boyfriend as a dependent?

You must provide more than 50% of their financial support.

You may be able to claim your significant other as a dependent on your taxes if you pay for over 50% of their basic living expenses. Living expenses may include housing, groceries, education, medical expenses, and more.

Can I claim my dog as a dependent?

Unfortunately, pets do not count as dependents in the eyes of the IRS.

What are the basic rules for claiming a dependent?

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.

Can you get audited for claiming a dependent?

The other person who claimed the dependent will get the same letter. If one of you do not file an amended return that removes the child-related benefits, then you may be audited by us to determine who can claim the dependent. In that case, you'll get a letter in a few months to begin the audit.

What is the penalty for falsely claiming dependents?

Because you are technically filing your taxes under penalty of perjury, everything you claim has to be true, or you can be charged with penalty of perjury. Failing to be honest by claiming a false dependent could result in 3 years of prison and fines up to $250,000.

At what age can you no longer claim a Dependant?

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 adult child who lives at home?

The child must live with you for more than half the year, with some exceptions (most notably education). For divorced parents, the custodial parent is typically the one who can claim the child as a dependent, unless the custodial parent signs a release to the non-custodial parent.

Can I file taxes if my parents claim me as a dependent?

Answer: An unmarried dependent student must file a tax return if his or her earned or unearned income exceeds certain limits. To find these limits, refer to "Dependents" under "Who Must File" in Publication 501, Dependents, Standard Deduction and Filing Information.

How long can I claim my adult child as a dependent?

Yes, your parents can claim you as a dependent after the age of 18 indefinitely as long as you meet the qualifying household and financial support requirements.

What are the disadvantages of claiming a parent as dependent?

The downsides of claiming parents as dependents
  • More financial responsibility: To claim a parent as a dependent, you must cover more than half of their financial support. ...
  • Sibling restrictions: Do you share the expenses of caring for a parent with a sibling?

Who cannot be claimed as a dependent?

A dependent must be a U.S. citizen, resident alien or national or a resident of Canada or Mexico. A person can't be claimed as a dependent on more than one tax return, with rare exceptions. A dependent can't claim a dependent on their own tax return. You can't claim your spouse as a dependent if you file jointly.