Dependent
Definition
A qualifying child or qualifying relative you support financially who can be claimed on your tax return. Claiming a dependent can qualify you for various tax benefits including head of household filing status, child tax credit, earned income credit, and dependent care credit. A qualifying child must be under 19 (or 24 if a student), live with you for more than half the year, and not provide more than half of their own support.
Example
You have a 10-year-old child who lives with you full-time. You can claim them as a dependent and receive the $2,000 Child Tax Credit.
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