Claim non-related children

[Sonata]

What is the name of your state? Indiana

I have been supporting my girlfriend and her child completely for the last six years - is there any way I can claim the child on my income taxes? We are not married, but I pay all the bills, buy his clothes and food, school supplies, etc.

 

[abezon]

You can file as head of household IF he qualifies as your dependent. You have to be paying over 50% of his support & he has to live with you all year. His support consists of whatever his mother contributes, whatever his father contributes via CP of directly, any state benefits mom gets, & whatever you contribute. You cannot claim a child tax credit or earned income credit for him, but you can claim him as a dependent & file as head of household. Be prepared to show you supported him.

You can claim your GF as a dependent if you pay over 50% of her support, her gross income is less than $3100, she lived with you all year, & she is not filing a joint return with anyone else.

Next year you will not be able to file as head of household or claim the boy as a dependent, due to tax law changes. You'll still be able to claim your GF as a dependent.

You can amend your last 3 years' returns (2001-2003) to change your dependents & filing status. Pay someone to do it -- the 1040X is too complicated for a layman.