Here’s how the credit for other dependents can benefit you.

Taxpayers with dependents may qualify to claim a few different tax credits. One of these is the child tax credit. The child tax credit benefits people whose dependent meets a series of tests. If the dependent doesn’t meet those qualifications, the taxpayer may be able to claim the credit for other dependents.

Here’s some info about the credit for other dependents. These details can help you find out if you can claim it when you file your taxes this year.

  • You cannot claim the credit for other dependents for a child who qualifies for the child tax credit or the additional child tax credit.
  • A qualifying individual could be your older child, parent or cousin. It could even be someone who is not related to you. To qualify, the unrelated person must have lived with you for the entire tax year.
  • The maximum amount of the credit is $500 per qualifying dependent.
  • The dependent must be a U.S. citizen, a U.S. national, or a U.S. resident alien.
  • Taxpayers who are eligible to claim this credit must list the name and Social Security number or individual taxpayer identification number for each dependent you claim on your tax return.
  • The credit begins to phase out at $200,000 of modified adjusted gross income. This amount is $400,000 for married couples filing jointly.
  • You can use the worksheet on page 6 of Publication 972, Child Tax Credit, to determine if you can claim this credit.