Should I claim my 19 year old college student as a dependent?
James Williams
Updated on March 11, 2026
Fortunately, the answer is yes — as long as certain criteria are met. In a nutshell, you can usually claim your college student as a dependent if they’re a full-time student at a qualifying school and they meet the IRS guidelines below.
How much can a college student make and still be claimed as a dependent?
There is NO income limits for a college student to qualify as a dependent on their parent’s tax return. The student could earn a million dollars, and still qualify to be claimed as a dependent on their parent’s tax return.
Should I claim my 20 year old college student as a dependent?
Yes, a 20 year old full-time college student can still be claimed as a dependent–even if the child had over $4050 of income. If your dependent had her own income she can file a tax return but must say she is being claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return.
Can I claim my 19 year old as a qualifying relative?
To claim your child as your dependent, your child must meet either the qualifying child test or the qualifying relative test: To meet the qualifying child test, your child must be younger than you and either younger than 19 years old or be a “student” younger than 24 years old as of the end of the calendar year.
Will college students get stimulus checks after all?
Do College Students Qualify for Stimulus Checks? Financially independent college students may be eligible for stimulus checks. The parents or guardians of dependent college students may receive additional funds. Half of college bailout funds are earmarked for student emergency financial aid.
How much can a college student make without paying taxes?
A child who has only earned income must file a return only if the total is more than the standard deduction for the year. For 2019, the standard deduction for a dependent child is total earned income plus $350, up to a maximum of $12,200. Thus, a child can earn up to $12,200 without paying income tax.
Can I claim my 20 year old college student on my taxes?
Yes, a 20 year old full-time college student can still be claimed as a dependent–even if the child had over $4050 of income. Any education credits can be entered on your own tax return.
Is a college student considered living at home?
When your child is living at college does that count as months living at home? Temporary absences, like going to college are considered living at home.
Can I claim my 19 year old college student on my taxes?
If your child is a full-time college student, you can claim them as a dependent until they are 24. If they are working while in school, you must still provide more than half of their financial support to claim them. Be aware that if your student meets any of the requirements below, they must file their own return.
How old do you have to be to claim a college student?
Be under age 19, or under age 24 and a full-time student for at least five months of the year Have lived with you for more than half the year. There are exceptions for temporary absences, such as when your child is away at school. Not provide more than half of their own support.
Can You claim a 19 year old as a dependent?
You can claim her as a dependent as long as you can answer YES to these questions. Do they meet the age requirement? Your child must be under age 19 or, if a full-time student, under age 24. There is no age limit if your child is permanently and totally disabled. Do they live with you?
How old do you have to be to be a full time college student?
A full-time college student is generally a dependent if they’re under age 24 and don’t provide more than half of their own support, says Benson. Part-time students who are 19 or older may not be a …
Can You claim a part time student as a dependent?
If your student has a part-time job and made more than the standard deduction amount for the tax year ($12,000 in 2018), they are required to file their own tax return. You can still claim them as a dependent, but you won’t be able to claim their income on your return.