The answer to this question depends on a few factors, including your child’s income and filing status.
General Rule
Generally, you cannot claim your child as a dependent on your tax return if they are 18 years old or older at the end of the tax year. This is because once a child reaches the age of 18, they are considered an adult for tax purposes and must file their own tax return.
Exceptions to the Rule
There are a few exceptions to this rule. You can still claim your child as a dependent if they meet all of the following requirements:
- They are under the age of 19 at the end of the tax year.
- They are a full-time student for at least half of the year.
- They do not provide more than half of their own support.
Emancipated Minors
In some cases, a child may be considered emancipated, which means they are legally independent from their parents. Emancipated minors are treated as adults for tax purposes and must file their own tax returns. A child may be emancipated if they:
- Are married.
- Are in the military.
- Have a court order declaring them emancipated.
Filing Status for 18-Year-Olds
If your 18-year-old child does not meet the requirements to be claimed as a dependent, they will need to file their own tax return. They can file as either a single filer or a head of household.
Head of Household Filing Status
To qualify as head of household, your child must meet all of the following requirements:
- They are unmarried or considered unmarried on the last day of the tax year.
- They paid more than half the costs of keeping up a home for the tax year.
- Their spouse did not live in the home during the last six months of the tax year.
- Their child lived with them for more than half the year.
Standard Deduction and Tax Credits
The standard deduction and tax credits that your child can claim will depend on their filing status. The standard deduction for single filers in 2023 is $13,850. The standard deduction for head of household filers is $20,800.
Your child may also be eligible for certain tax credits, such as the earned income tax credit (EITC) and the child tax credit (CTC). The EITC is a refundable tax credit for low- and moderate-income working individuals and families. The CTC is a tax credit for each qualifying child under the age of 17.
Whether or not your 18-year-old child can claim themselves on taxes depends on their income, filing status, and other factors. If you are unsure whether or not your child can claim themselves on taxes, you should consult with a tax professional.
Can I claim my 18 year old as a dependent if she works?
FAQ
How much can an 18 year old make and still be claimed as a dependent?
Do I get a tax credit for my 18 year old?
At what age can you no longer claim child tax credit?
Can my mom claim me as a dependent if I file my own taxes?
Does a 15 year old owe taxes?
As an example, a 15-year-old who works after school and earns less than $13,850 would owe nothing in taxes. Even so, if an employer withheld taxes from her paycheck, she’ll have to file a tax return to obtain a refund. How does unearned income impact a minor’s income tax requirements?
Can I claim my 17 year old on my taxes?
– In your case, since your child is **17 years old**, they can be considered a qualifying child for tax purposes . 2. **Other Dependent Credit**: – If your child doesn’t meet the criteria
Can a child file a 1040 if he owes tax?
There are certain restrictions, including a limit to the amount of money involved, and the tax you’ll owe may be greater than if your child filed an individual return. If you qualify, file Form 8814 with your 1040 and the IRS will not require your child to file. Can my child still file a tax return if I claim them?
Do kids have to pay taxes?
Even if your kids are young enough to be your dependents, they may still have to pay taxes. In some cases, you may be able to include their income on your tax return; in others, they’ll have to file their own tax return. The need to file depends on both the amount and source of the minor’s income.