Dependents, Qualifying Child for Child Tax Credit, and Credit for Other Dependents
Follow the steps below to find out if a person qualifies as your dependent and to find out if your dependent qualifies you to take the child tax credit or the credit for other dependents. If you have more than four dependents, check the box under Dependents on page 1 of Form 1040 or 1040-SR and include a statement showing the information required in columns (1) through (4).

TAX TIP. The dependents you claim are those you list by name and SSN in the Dependents section on Form 1040 or 1040-SR.

Before you begin.

See the definition of Social security number, later. If you want to claim the child tax credit or the credit for other dependents, you (and your spouse if filing jointly) must have an SSN or ITIN issued on or before the due date of your 2024 return (including extensions). If an ITIN is applied for on or before the due date of a 2024 return (including extensions) and the IRS issues an ITIN as a result of the application, the IRS will consider the ITIN as issued on or before the due date of the return.
Step 1. Do You Have a Qualifying Child?

Step 2. Is Your Qualifying Child Your Dependent?

Step 3. Does Your Qualifying Child Qualify You for the Child Tax Credit or Credit for Other Dependents?

Step 4. Is Your Qualifying Relative Your Dependent?

Step 5. Does Your Qualifying Relative Qualify You for the Credit for Other Dependents?

Definitions and Special Rules



Last reviewed or updated June 21, 2025 at 5:33PM by administrator.