Claiming dependents on w4

A dependent is a qualifying child or relative who relies on you for financial support. To claim a dependent for tax credits or deductions, the dependent must meet specific requirements.

Answer questions to see if you can claim someone as a dependent on your tax return

See the full rules for dependents

General rules for dependents

These rules generally apply to all dependents:

• A dependent must be a U.S.

  citizen, resident alien or national or a resident of Canada or Mexico

• A person can't be claimed as a dependent on more than one tax return, with rare exceptions
• A dependent can't claim a dependent on their own tax return
• You can't claim your spouse as a dependent if you file jointly
• A dependent must be a qualifying child or qualifying relative

Qualifying child

To qualify as a dependent, a child must also pass these tests:

• Relationship: Be your son, daughter, stepchild, eligible foster child, brother, sister, half-sister or -brother, stepbrother, stepsister, adopted child or the child of one of these
• Age: Be under age 19 or under 24 if a full-time stude
  how many dependants can i claim
  how many dependents should i claim if single