Can I claim my kid if he works?
In the United States, the ability to claim a dependent on your tax return is subject to certain conditions. Many parents wonder if they can still claim their child as a dependent if the child has a job. The answer to this question depends on several factors, including the child’s age, income, and relationship to the taxpayer.
Age Requirement
One of the primary conditions for claiming a dependent is that the child must be under a certain age. For tax year 2021, the age limit for a child to be claimed as a dependent is generally 17. If your child is 18 or older, they may still be eligible if they are a full-time student and meet other criteria.
Income Limitation
Even if your child is under the age of 17, they may not be eligible for a dependency exemption if they have too much income. The IRS sets a threshold for the amount of income a dependent can earn before they are no longer eligible for the exemption. For tax year 2021, this threshold is $4,300. If your child’s income exceeds this amount, they may not be eligible for the dependency exemption.
Student Status
If your child is 18 or older and not claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return, they may still be eligible for the dependency exemption if they are a full-time student. To qualify, the child must be enrolled in a recognized educational institution and be pursuing a degree, certificate, or similar course of instruction. The requirement to be a full-time student applies for at least five months during the year, with a minimum of 30 hours of attendance per week.
Relationship to Taxpayer
The child must also have a qualifying relationship with the taxpayer to be claimed as a dependent. This means they must be your son, daughter, stepchild, foster child, brother, sister, stepbrother, stepsister, or a descendant of any of these individuals. Additionally, the child must have lived with you for more than half of the year, except in certain situations involving divorce or separation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the answer to whether you can claim your child if he works depends on several factors. As long as your child meets the age, income, student status, and relationship requirements, you may still be able to claim them as a dependent on your tax return. It’s always a good idea to consult with a tax professional or use IRS resources to ensure you’re following the correct guidelines for claiming your child as a dependent.
