Age dependent child - at END of tax year ?

[Delawaredave5]

Understand dependent has to be below 24 to be claimed as dependent.

Is their age determined by age at end of tax year, Dec 31st ?

If a child was born in October - spent the majority of 2013 age at 23, turned 24 in October 2013 - does that count as 23 or 24 ?

Everything I read says "under 24" but doesn't say when - maybe it is obvious and implied that is age at Dec 31, 2013

Appreciate any confirmation. Thanks !

 

[braumeister]

Sorry, but it's at the end of the year:

To be claimed as your dependent, your child must meet the qualifying child test or the qualifying relative test. To meet the qualifying child test, your child must be younger than you and, as of the end of the calendar year, either be younger than 19 years old or be a student and younger than 24 years old. There is no age limit on claiming your child as a dependent if the child meets the qualifying relative test.
As long as all of the following tests are met, you may claim a dependency exemption for your child:

1. Qualifying child or qualifying relative test,
2. Dependent taxpayer test,
3. Citizen or resident test, and
4. Joint return test.

Additional Information:
Publication 501, Exemptions, Standard Deduction, and Filing Information

 

[Delawaredave5]

Thanks !

 

[Texas Proud]

Remember that you got to claim them for a full year when they were born.... even if Dec 31st...

 

[Delawaredave5]

Yes - logical and reasonable (still not answer I wanted....). Have a great day !

 

[MichaelB]

Yes - logical and reasonable (still not answer I wanted....). Have a great day !

The great philosopher Jagger said "you can't aklways get what you want".

 

[Cooked]

Understand dependent has to be below 24 to be claimed as dependent.!

Not entirely correct. the tests for a qualifying child do indeed reference 24. The tests for a qualifying relative are different. A qualifying relative may be your child.

Four tests must be met for a person to be your qualifying relative. The four tests are:
1)Not a qualifying child test
2)Member of the household or relationship test
3)Gross income test and (<$3900)
4) Support test (> 1/2)

Check out Pub 17 page 32.

 

[jebmke]

also, QC can be any age if permanently disabled.

This (and filing status) is one of the more complicated parts of the tax law that many preparers deal with.