Can I claim my foster child as a dependent on my tax filing?

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) lets you claim a foster child as a dependent if you can prove that the child was officially placed under your supervision by a governing authority, such as a court. To claim a foster child, you must first satisfy IRS requirements

Things You'll Need:

* Proof of qualifying foster child
* Proof of residence

Step 1:
Make sure your foster child qualifies under the codes of the IRS. If a child is eligible he can be listed as a dependent. You have to prove the relationship with the child, such as a foster child or adoption with an issuance by a governing agency. A qualifying child can help a taxpayer claim various tax benefits, such as head of household filing status. The child also qualifies as an exemption for a dependent.

Step 2:
Establish proof of residence. The foster child must have the same address as you for more than 6 months of the year you are claiming. The IRS will give you leeway in this area under certain conditions. For example, in the event of a divorce or separation.

Step 3:
Adhere to the age requirements set forth by the IRS to claim foster children. A child has to be 19 or younger for a taxpayer to get an exemption for a given year. In some cases the age limit is lifted. For example, if the child is enrolled in a school for a certain period during the year, the age limit rises to 24 years.

Step 4:
Show qualifying financial support for the foster child. If a foster child earns half of his own support for the tax year, a foster parent cannot claim the child.