Figuring out dependent tax breaks isn’t child’s play

Description

Abstract: Caring for children or other dependents may entitle you to a variety of tax breaks. But just because you support another person financially doesn’t mean that you’ll qualify. This article explores the intricacies of the tax code, and attempts to decode the IRS’s definition of “qualifying child.” Unlike previous definitions, which generally required that you provide more than half of a dependent’s support, the new definition relies on residency. This article also outlines four tests that a qualifying child must meet. A helpful sidebar discusses how to determine who’s entitled to tax benefits if more than one person claims a benefit with respect to the same child.