Maximizing Tax Credits: Can Antonio Claim the EITC for Maria?

Question:

Antonio has $23,050 in earned income and an adjusted gross income of $23,175. His filing status is single, and his 20-year-old daughter, Maria, lived with him for eight months while being a full-time college student. Can Antonio claim the EITC for Maria?

Answer:

Antonio may be eligible to claim the EITC for his 20-year-old full-time college student daughter, Maria, as she meets the age and residency requirements. However, eligibility is contingent upon meeting all other IRS criteria for claiming the credit.

Antonio is trying to determine if he can claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). With an earned income of $23,050 and an adjusted gross income of $23,175, his filing status is single and he supports his 20-year-old daughter, Maria, who is a full-time college student and lived with him for more than half the year. Based on the information provided about the EITC, which outlines a phase-out at higher income levels and eligibility criteria including income limits and dependent qualifications, Antonio may be eligible to claim the EITC. However, specific eligibility depends on various factors, including the age of the dependent, the relationship to the filer, and whether the dependent is a full-time student.

Typically, to claim a qualifying child for EITC purposes, the child must be under 19 or under 24 if a full-time student. Therefore, since Maria is a full-time student under 24, Antonio may qualify to claim the EITC provided all other criteria are met.