Question
When I claim a child as a dependent and I’m married filing separately, am I able to claim child tax credit married filing separately?
Answer
You must be able to claim child as a dependent to be eligible for the child tax credit.
Your child qualifies as a dependent if your child:
- Is younger than 19 or a full-time student under age 24 (Your child must be younger than age 17 to claim the credit.)
- Is a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or U.S. resident alien
- Lives in your home for more than half of the year. If you and the other parent are divorced or separated, the child might live with the other parent for more than half the year. If so, that parent can give up the right to claim the child as a dependent to you. To do so, he or she will need to complete and sign Form 8332. The person claiming the dependency exemption also has the right to claim the child tax credit.
- Didn’t provide more than half of his / her own support
Related Resources
How Does Changing Jobs Affect Your Tax Return?
Changing jobs can come with tax implications like job search and moving expense deductions. Learn more about these potential benefits at H&R Block.
