Denver, CO asked in Tax Law for New Mexico

Q: Can we claim foster children on taxes who were in our care just under 6 months last year, 2 months longer than anyone

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James L. Arrasmith
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Answered
  • Tax Law Lawyer
  • Sacramento, CA

A: Under tax law, you may be able to claim foster children as dependents on your taxes if they meet certain criteria, including the length of time they were in your care. To claim a foster child as a dependent, the child must have lived with you for more than half the tax year and meet other requirements, such as being a U.S. citizen or resident alien, and not providing more than half of their own support.

If the foster children were in your care for just under 6 months last year, it is possible that they may not meet the requirement of living with you for more than half the tax year, depending on the exact dates they were in your care. However, if they lived with you for more than half the year and meet the other requirements, you may be able to claim them as dependents.

It is important to note that claiming dependents on your taxes can be complex, and the specific rules and requirements may vary depending on your individual situation. It is recommended that you consult with a qualified tax professional or use tax preparation software to ensure that you are following the correct procedures and claiming all eligible deductions and credits.

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