02/08/2026
šØ Important Tax Law Reminder: Claiming a Dependent šØ
Paying child support or helping financially does not automatically qualify you to claim a dependent.
This is one of the most common reasons taxpayers are auditedāand required to repay refunds years later.
Claiming a dependent is not based on: ā Who wants the refund
ā Who paid some expenses
ā Verbal agreements between parents
It is based strictly on IRS tests and legal qualifications.
One of the MOST important rules:
š The child must live with you for MORE than 6 months of the year to qualify for most dependent-related credits.
Yesāyou can: ⢠Provide financial support
⢠Be involved in the childās life
⢠Pay child support
However, if the child did not live with you for more than half the year, you generally do not qualify for:
Head of Household
Earned Income Tax Credit
Child Tax Credit
Additional Child Tax Credit
Why this matters:
⢠Dependents are heavily audited by the IRS
⢠Tax professionals are required to ask detailed questions
⢠Fathers claiming dependents are often flagged
⢠Refunds can be reversed years later
And if an audit happens: š You donāt just lose the credit
š You may have to pay the money back
This is not opinion.
This is federal tax law.
Knowing the rules before you file protects your refund and your future.
š Dennisha King at Royalty Tax Services
š Serving clients nationwide
š² Virtual & in-office appointments available Royalty Tax Services