I am wondering if this is legal. My brother has 3 kids and a wife. I was told by a female coworker that they would get the same amount back on taxes whether they claimed all three or just two. She said I could legally claim the third child on my taxes. Is this legal or not? Is it even true? Also, I am a 24yo, single guy making 25 a year and I only got back about 700 last year. Is there anything I can do to increase this? It would really help out with my bills.

No, that information is erroneous. You can't claim your bros. child on your taxes. The child doesn't reside with you.

Tick

As long as the child was living in your home and you actually supported them Also depending on their taxes, with earned income they may actually still get more claiming all three

Thanks for clearing that up for me. Is there any way that I can legally get more back on taxes? I don't claim myself. I have had people tell me that is good and people tell me that is bad.

On 2009 return, the EIC for 3 children is more than EIC for 2 children so your brother should claim three children.
The kids are your brother's qualifying Children so you can not claim the kids.

Claim yourself where?

Alpha85:

A refund of about $700 is about right for you.

You do not want a LARGE refund, as ANY refund is an interest-free loan the U.S. government.