Are Children Still Dependents After They Turn 17?

Each year, parents can claim a child tax credit for each of their children who is under 17. This is a valuable credit, worth up to $2,200 for each child 16 years old or younger for the 2025 tax year. If you have a 15-year-old and a 10-year-old, then you can claim a combined tax credit of up to $4,400 (these figures may change year by year). But many parents wonder if they can claim a child as a dependent after 17.

Child Tax Credit Age Limits: What Changes After 16

Unfortunately, parents can only receive this tax credit for children who are 16 years old or younger. However, you might qualify for a smaller $500 tax credit for other dependents children who are 17 or older.

What Is the Tax Credit for Other Dependents?

Taxpayers can claim this tax credit of $500 for any person they list as a dependent on their income tax returns. That includes children 17 or older. Parents, for example, often list their children as dependents when they are at college or when they are still living at home and first establishing their careers.

Who Qualifies as a Dependent After Age 17?

To claim a child as a dependent for this tax credit, the child must be under 19 at the end of the tax year in which you are claiming them. If they are a full-time college student, they must be under 24 at the end of the tax year.

A qualifying child must be your child, stepchild, or foster child, and they must live with you for more than half the year unless they are attending college. They must not provide more than half of their own financial support for the tax year.

Qualifying Child vs. Qualifying Relative: Key Differences

If your child doesn’t count as a qualifying child under the IRS rules, you might still be able to claim a son or daughter as a dependent under the qualifying relative rules. There is no age limit for qualifying relatives, making this an option for parents whose children are older than 19.

You can’t claim a child as both a qualifying child and a qualifying relative. To claim an older child as a qualifying relative, that person must be your child, stepchild, foster child, or grandchild. This child’s gross income for the 2025 tax year must be less than $5,200, and you must provide more than half of the child’s financial support for the year.

When It Still Makes Sense to Claim an Older Child

These rules might seem complicated, and this isn’t the whole story. The point is that if you are supporting an older child, applying these rules can be worthwhile. If your child qualifies, you will get at least a small financial break on your income taxes. In many cases, you may still be able to claim a child as a dependent after 17, depending on IRS rules.

Get Help Determining Dependent Eligibility

Determining eligibility for credits and dependents requires careful attention to IRS requirements and your specific financial circumstances. Be sure to discuss your family situation with your tax advisor.

Siepert & Co., LLP works with individuals and families to navigate tax rules, maximize available credits, and ensure accurate filing. Contact our team to discuss your situation and make the most of your tax opportunities.