Tax Info

​​​Documents Needed to Claim an Underage Child as a Dependent

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1. Proof of Relationship

   • Birth Certificate: To prove your relationship with the child (e.g., parent, step-parent, grandparent, etc.).

   • Adoption Papers: If the child is adopted.

   • Court Documents: If you are a legal guardian or have custody.

2. Proof of Residency

   • Lease Agreement, Utility Bills, or School Records: Showing that the child lived with you for more than half the year.

   • Letter from School or Medical Provider: Confirming the child’s address matches yours.

3. Child’s Social Security Number

   • Social Security Card: Required to claim the child as a dependent.

4. Proof of Financial Support (if applicable)

   • Receipts or records showing you provided more than 50% of the child’s financial support during the year (e.g., housing, food, clothing, medical care).

5. Custody Agreement (if applicable)

   • Form 8332: If the child’s other parent is releasing their claim to the dependency exemption to you.

6. Childcare or Education Expenses (if applicable)

   • Receipts or statements for daycare or preschool expenses (if claiming the Child and Dependent Care Credit).

   • Form 1098-T: If the child is in college and you’re claiming education credits.

7. Health Insurance Coverage

   • Form 1095-A, 1095-B, or 1095-C: Proof of health insurance coverage for the child.

   • Documentation of any advance premium tax credit received for the child’s health insurance.

8. Income Information (if applicable)

   • If the child earned income (e.g., a part-time job), you may need their Form W-2 or Form 1099 to determine if they need to file their own return.

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Eligibility Requirements to Claim a Child as a Dependent

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• Age: The child must be under age 19 at the end of the year, or under 24 if a full-time student.

• Residency: The child must live with you for more than half the year.

• Support: You must provide more than half of the child’s financial support.

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Having these documents ready will ensure you can claim the child correctly and avoid potential issues with the IRS.