Can I claim tax on my child if I was a full-time student and made less than $1500 during summer break?

I was a student all year and graduated in December. I gave birth during the spring semester and couldn’t work much over the summer. Can I claim my son on my taxes?

You can use this IRS tool to help determine:

Can you be claimed as a dependent by your parent(s)? (Were you under 24 and did others pay for more than half your living expenses?) With less than $1500 of earned income, you will not be eligible for the ACTC, and if your parents can claim you as a dependent, you cannot claim the EIC either. If they can claim your child as a dependent, they can also claim the child for the child tax credit and possibly EIC.

@Teegan
I’m 26, and yes, they helped with most of my expenses. So, I guess I shouldn’t file taxes this year?

Milan said:
@Teegan
I’m 26, and yes, they helped with most of my expenses. So, I guess I shouldn’t file taxes this year?

You can still file taxes to get any refund due, but it sounds like your MIL should claim the baby and possibly you, as she can benefit more from the tax credits for the child, which you may not qualify for.

@True
Agree, and your MIL may also benefit more from education credits than you would.

Milan said:
@Teegan
I’m 26, and yes, they helped with most of my expenses. So, I guess I shouldn’t file taxes this year?

Since you’re over 24, you can’t be a qualifying child for the EIC, but you can claim EIC if you claim your child. Does your child live with your parents? That could affect whether they can claim your child for the child tax credit. If they can’t, you should calculate your EIC. If it’s more than $500, you should claim the child. If it’s less, your parents may get more overall benefit from claiming your child.

Did you live with anyone during that time? Family or significant other? Was that $1500 income from a W-2 job? Which state do you live in?

True said:
Did you live with anyone during that time? Family or significant other? Was that $1500 income from a W-2 job? Which state do you live in?

Yes, I lived with my mother-in-law, and my partner (who lives in another city) sent me money for the baby’s needs. I live in Texas.

@Milan
Did you live with her all year or just part of it? Does the other parent of the child have income?

True said:
@Milan
Did you live with her all year or just part of it? Does the other parent of the child have income?

Yes, I lived with her all year, and my partner is a teacher with income, but he doesn’t directly pay for the house.

@Milan
If your MIL makes over $40k a year, she should claim the baby and you as she can get the most tax credits.

True said:
Did you live with anyone during that time? Family or significant other? Was that $1500 income from a W-2 job? Which state do you live in?

Yes, the $1500 was from a W-2 job.

You might be able to claim your child as a dependent, but it may be more beneficial overall if someone else claims him. Are you married? Who pays for the expenses of the home you live in? Does your son’s father live there as well?

@Auden
We’re not married, and my MIL pays for most expenses. My partner lives in another city but doesn’t directly contribute to the house we live in.

Milan said:
@Auden
We’re not married, and my MIL pays for most expenses. My partner lives in another city but doesn’t directly contribute to the house we live in.

It sounds like the best option to minimize taxes would be:

  • MIL files as Head of Household (assuming she’s unmarried) and claims her grandson as a dependent. If you lived with her all year, she can also claim you as a dependent, which may allow her to take education credits, so you should give her your 1098-T from school.

  • You file as Single and check the ‘someone can claim me as a dependent’ box. You only need to do this if taxes were withheld from your earnings.

  • Your partner files as Single with no dependents.

@Auden
A dependent can’t claim another dependent. She can’t claim you unless there’s another source of income.

Fifer said:
@Auden
A dependent can’t claim another dependent. She can’t claim you unless there’s another source of income.

It’s possible to live off savings with little income. While it’s not likely, it’s still a possibility, and it’s important to consider all factors before assuming.