Make sure your dependent meets the IRS requirements. Generally, the IRS requires that the child is under the age of 19 (or under 24 if a full-time student), lives with you for more than half the year, and does not provide more than half of their own financial support.
Total Dependents - Indicates total dollar amount for dependents claimed. Other Income - Indicates tax withheld for other income. This may include interest, dividends, and retirement income.
A dependent is a qualifying child or relative who relies on you for financial support. To claim a dependent for tax credits or deductions, the dependent must meet specific requirements. Answer questions to see if you can claim someone as a dependent on your tax return.
On your W-4 Form you claim allowances, which your employer uses to calculate the tax withheld from your paycheck. The number of dependents you have factors into your overall W-4 allowances. Many people simply count their family members and put that number down as the number of allowances on W-4 Form!
The number of dependents is, mathematically speaking, the number of people who are in your immediate family. (It might include your husband/wife, your children, and your (grand)parents.)
The child must be: (a) under age 19 at the end of the year and younger than you (or your spouse, if filing jointly), (b) under age 24 at the end of the year, a full- time student, and younger than you (or your spouse, if filing jointly), or (c) any age if permanently and totally disabled.