In order to be eligible to claim your child as a dependent on your tax return, your child must meet the qualifying child test or the qualifying relative test.

  • Qualifying Child Test – Your child must be younger than you and under 19 years of age at the end of the tax year if they are a non-student or younger than 24 years if they are a student.
  • There is no age limit on claiming your child as a dependent if the child meets the qualifying relative test.


You may also claim a dependency exemption for your child as long as all of the following tests are met:

  • Dependent taxpayer test
  • Citizen or resident test
  • Joint return test


Find out more about claiming your child as a dependent, filing requirements, status, dependent exemptions, etc. visit the  Internal Revenue Service (IRS) website and use their tools and resources to help determine your specific needs.