Expanding Tax Benefits- Can You Legally Claim Kids Over 18 on Your Taxes-

Can you claim kids over 18 on taxes? This is a common question among parents and guardians who are unsure about the tax implications of having adult children. While the ability to claim a dependent on your taxes typically ends when a child turns 18, there are certain exceptions and circumstances where you may still be eligible to claim your adult child. In this article, we will explore the rules and guidelines surrounding this topic to help you understand your options.

The general rule is that you can claim a child as a dependent on your taxes if they are under the age of 19 at the end of the calendar year, or under the age of 24 if they are a full-time student. However, there are some exceptions that allow you to claim adult children over 18 who may still qualify as dependents.

One exception is if your adult child is a student and meets certain criteria. To qualify, your child must be a full-time student at an eligible educational institution for at least five months during the year. They must also be younger than 24 at the end of the year. Additionally, you must provide more than half of their support during the year. This includes both financial and living arrangements.

Another exception is if your adult child is permanently and totally disabled. If your child has a disabling condition that began before they turned 22, they may still be eligible to be claimed as a dependent, regardless of their age or student status.

It’s important to note that there are income limits for claiming a dependent. If your child’s earned income exceeds a certain threshold, you may not be able to claim them as a dependent. For the 2021 tax year, the threshold is $4,300. Additionally, if your child’s unearned income, such as interest or dividends, exceeds $4,300, you may not be able to claim them as a dependent.

To determine if you can claim your adult child over 18 on taxes, you should consider the following factors:

1. Age: Is your child under 24 and a full-time student, or do they have a permanent and total disability?
2. Student status: Does your child meet the criteria for being a full-time student at an eligible educational institution?
3. Support: Do you provide more than half of your child’s support during the year?
4. Income: Does your child’s earned or unearned income exceed the specified thresholds?

By carefully reviewing these factors and understanding the rules and guidelines, you can determine whether you can claim your adult child over 18 on taxes. If you’re still unsure, it’s always a good idea to consult a tax professional or use tax preparation software that can help you navigate the complexities of tax laws and ensure you’re following the correct procedures.