I just had a baby in Oct. of 2008. I was wondering if I can claim him on my 2008 return and how much I can expect. I am head of household and I made 12,300.

I definitely know you can claim him/her as an exemption since he is your child AND living with you. As long was the child is born in 2008

Now you have to consider a few things that you may be able to claim

1. Dependent Care Expense - separate form that you detail the cost of expenses paid to third party for daycare etc.

2. Child Tax Credit - separate form that you may be able to claim a credit the instruction manual for form 1040 an 1040A has a calculation sheet to figure this

3. Earned Income Credit - definitely will be able to get this also this will be around $2,000 (give or take) depending on the schedule for this year.

All of this can increase your return amount.

I've done my own taxes since I was 16 (with zero errors) this gives you some brief information on what you can get.

Go to Internal Revenue Service (http://www.irs.gov)

Click " Individuals"

Go to forms and print the forms and instructions just to help you get familiar with the guidelines.

You will definitely be able to claim the Child Tax Credit for $1,000 and probably get a substantial Earned Income Credit.

Credit for the Dependent Care requires that you actually HAVE dependent care expenses incurred while you go to work or school. Given that you just gave birth, you (hopefully) are still on maternal leave and have not incurred these expenses in 2008. Still, it IS good information to know for your 2009 tax return.