A dependent is a qualifying child or qualifying relative you can claim on your tax return, unlocking the Child Tax Credit ($2,000 per child under 17), Other Dependent Credit ($500 for older dependents), Child and Dependent Care Credit, and potentially Head of Household filing status. Qualifying child tests: relationship, age (under 19, or under 24 if full-time student), residency (lives with you over half the year), support (didn't provide over half their own support), joint return (typically can't file joint). Qualifying relative tests: relationship or member of household, gross income under $5,200 (2026), support (you provided over half their support), not a qualifying child.
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Alternative Minimum Tax
Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) is a parallel tax system designed to ensure high-income taxpayers pay a minimum. Calculate…
American Opportunity Credit
The American Opportunity Credit provides up to $2,500 per student per year for the first four years of…
Bunching Deductions
Bunching deductions is the strategy of concentrating itemizable expenses into alternating years to exceed the standard deduction in…
Charitable Contribution Deduction
Charitable contribution deductions allow taxpayers who itemize to deduct cash donations to qualified 501(c)(3) charities up to 60%…
Child Tax Credit
The Child Tax Credit (CTC) provides $2,000 per qualifying child under 17, with $1,600 refundable as the Additional…
Deductible Business Expense
A deductible business expense must be both 'ordinary' (common in your industry) and 'necessary' (helpful to the business).…
Dependent
August 22, 2026 · Aditya Gupta
Tax
Related terms
Alternative Minimum Tax
Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) is a parallel tax system designed to ensure high-income taxpayers pay a minimum. Calculate…
American Opportunity Credit
The American Opportunity Credit provides up to $2,500 per student per year for the first four years of…
Bunching Deductions
Bunching deductions is the strategy of concentrating itemizable expenses into alternating years to exceed the standard deduction in…
Charitable Contribution Deduction
Charitable contribution deductions allow taxpayers who itemize to deduct cash donations to qualified 501(c)(3) charities up to 60%…
Child Tax Credit
The Child Tax Credit (CTC) provides $2,000 per qualifying child under 17, with $1,600 refundable as the Additional…
Deductible Business Expense
A deductible business expense must be both 'ordinary' (common in your industry) and 'necessary' (helpful to the business).…
