All Collections
Tax Knowledge (Guides and FAQs)
Filing and General Tax Concepts
FAQs
Can I claim someone who isn't my child as a dependent?
Can I claim someone who isn't my child as a dependent?

Claiming relatives as a dependent.

Updated over a week ago

This article was updated for Tax Year 2023, last edited on December 20th, 2023.

You may be able to claim someone as a dependent if they are considered a qualifying relative and don’t meet the criteria for the Child Tax Credit. Instead, they may qualify for the Credit for Other Dependents. The maximum credit amount is $500 for each dependent. All of the following will need to be true for you to claim the credit:

  • Eligibility: Cannot be a qualifying child of any taxpayer.

  • Residency: They must live at your residence all year or be on the list of “relatives who do not live with you” in Publication 501.

  • Income: They can't have a gross income of more than $4,700.00 in 2023.

  • Support: You must provide more than half of their total support each year.

The Credit for Other Dependents amount begins to phase out where modified adjusted gross income exceeds $200,000 ($400,000 in case of a joint return).

This content is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as tax, legal, financial, accounting, or other advice. Rules and regulations vary by location and are subject to change, so please consult with an expert if you need advice specific to you.

Any third-party links are provided for informational purposes only. The third parties and their sites are not endorsed by April and April is not responsible for, and has no control over, their content, privacy policies, or terms of service.

Did this answer your question?