When a Child is not a Tax Dependent


You cannot claim your child as a dependent if:


  • You are being claimed as a dependent by someone
  • Your child is married and filing a joint tax return (unless he/she is filing just to claim a refund of withheld tax and isn't taking a personal exemption)
  • Your child is not a resident of the U.S., Mexico or Canada
  • Your child is over 19 and not a full-time student
  • Your child is 24 or older on December 31 of the tax year
  • Your child provided more than half of his or her own support
  • Your child did not live with you for half the year, 183 days or more. Note: the exception to this rule - illness, education, business, vacation or military services, or the child was born or died during the year
  • You are separated or divorced, and your child spends more time at your ex-spouse's home.

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