My girlfriend and her 2 children have lived with me for 3 years. This past year she has not worked, as the youngest child was DX with cancer. I have provided 100% support for all 3 of them the entire year. Can I claim them as dependents? I know she had to go on state medical and I was required to signa form stating that I provided 100% financial support. I just don't want to get into any trouble with the IRS. Thank you for any help.:confused:

My girlfriend and her 2 children have lived with me for 3 years. This past year she has not worked, as the youngest child was DX with cancer. I have provided 100% support for all 3 of them the entire year. Can I claim them as dependents? I know she had to go on state medical and I was required to signa form stating that I provided 100% financial support. I just don't want to get into any trouble with the IRS. Thank you for any help.:confused:
Yes, you can claim them. You can probably claim her two depending on the circumstances. Find a good CPA they cost a little more but they can get you more in a return.

This is a no-brainer: you definitely CAN claim all three of them as dependents. You more than meet the criteria.

However, you CANNOT claim either the Child Tax Credit nor the Earned Income Credit with the children.

See if your state recognizes common law marriage (about ten states still do) AND, IF you qualify AND if your girl friend agrees, then you file Married Filing Jointly, not only for this year, but for 2005 and 2006 as well.