To qualify as a dependent, a child must:

  • Be under the age of 19, 24 if a full-time student, or any age if permanently disabled.
  • Be your relative, which could mean son or daughter, stepchild, adopted child, or foster child, or even your sibling, half sibling, step sibling, niece, nephew, or grandchild.
  • The child cannot provide more than half of their own support.
  • Live with you for more than half the year.
  • Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. resident alien, U.S. national, or a resident of Canada or Mexico for some part of the year.

You cannot claim a dependent if you yourself are claimed as a dependent on another taxpayer’s return. And typically, you cannot claim someone who is married filing jointly as a dependent, except if the married couple is not required to file but are merely filing to obtain a refund of taxes they paid either through withholding or estimates.

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Sharon Brucker, CPA Senior Tax Research Analyst Published on: August 07, 2025
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*This content is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to be comprehensive and should not be construed as professional tax or financial advice for any specific individual tax situation. Taxpayers should always consult a qualified professional for individual guidance. This information constitutes a solicitation under the Treasury Department's Circular 230. Most offices are independently owned and operated.