Dependent or not?

[fslady]

Hi All,
I'm working on my taxes in TurboTax and and need advice about a dependent status. My child was 24 in 2007 and is a full-time student. she made less than $5000 last year and I definitely still provided more than half of the household expenses. The IRS rules say that the dependent child has to be under 24 and a full-time student. BUT there is also an IRS blurb about you can claim a dependent married child, adopted child, foster child, or ANY OTHER DEPENDENT RELATIVE.
Any thoughts on whether I can still claim my child for 2007?
Thanks for any and all advice.

[Flamingo]

Yes as long as you provide more than half of her support for that tax year and I believe she has to reside with you more than six months out of the tax year (I have heard issues pop up about children living in dorms most of the year in college and questions about their dependency status especially if they are receiving grants or scholarship money that may cover room/board). If that is not an issue for you, it appears you have no problem in claiming her. If she lives on campus most of the year, consult a CPA or tax professional to be on the safe side.

[fslady]

Thanks!

Hi Flamingo
Thanks for the quick answer! Yes, she lived with me for the entire year - cheaper than the dorm or an apt. and the university is in our town. She started on a Teaching Assistantship in August but that is only around $900/month but is paying for books, fees, gas, etc. out of the $900 - and tries to help me out some. She finished in May so next year I won't have this question.

[CindyLou]

just be sure she doesnt claim herself...

[Flamingo]

Hi Flamingo
Thanks for the quick answer! Yes, she lived with me for the entire year - cheaper than the dorm or an apt. and the university is in our town. She started on a Teaching Assistantship in August but that is only around $900/month but is paying for books, fees, gas, etc. out of the $900 - and tries to help me out some. She finished in May so next year I won't have this question.

Sounds like she is laying a good foundation! And yes, as CindyLynn pointed out, make sure she claims zero until she is no longer your dependent. Best of luck to you both!

[fslady]

Claiming a dependent will make a big difference

I guess that I'll go ahead and claim my daughter as a dependent - I've provided a place for her to live, utilities, food, etc. and haven't asked her for rent (probably foolish of me!). If I go ahead and claim her as a dependent I'll get a $450 refund - if I don't claim her I have to pay in $900 which I don't have! So she's going to file that I do claim her as a dependent child and I'm going to hope that the IRS doesn't question it! Keep your fingers crossed for me. And I have changed my employee withholding form so I won'd have this problem next year when she is not dependent on me.