Can you claim you child as a dependent every year if the mother isn't working?

The IRS has rules on how to determine if you can claim someone as a dependent. Generally, if you are supplying more than half their support you can do so.

The IRS has rules on how to determine if you can claim someone as a dependent. Generally, if you are supplying more than half their support you can do so.


Thanks Scott. Can you clarify that for me? She's married but isn't working so does that mean if I'm putting in more than 50% of the combined salaries of both parents I can claim him?

Thanks,
Gee

I would suggest going to the IRS website. There are insturctions for divorced parents claiming a child. It doesn't go by income, but if you paid $25K in child support and their combined income is less than $25K, then it would appear you paid more than half this support. Otherwise, you would need to determine what a reasonable amount would be for support a child and then compare that to what you paid in support.

Also if your court papers don't say anything then I would sugest going to court and get it settled. Who gets to claim or if you trade odd and even years.