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Best answer by SweetieJean

I assume that the child is not related to you.  A "godchild" relationship is not considered related. 

He/she may be a “qualifying relative” dependent if:

…He/she is not filing a joint return with anyone else

.…He/she does not file a tax return claiming someone else as a dependent

…He/she is no one else's qualifying child

He/she lived in your home as a member of your household for the entire year.

…His/her gross income was $4,000 or less (2015).  Social Security benefits that are not taxable do not count against this limit.

…You provided more than 1/2 his/her support for the year.

…Your living relationship did not violate local law.

…He/she is a U.S. citizen, U.S. resident alien, U.S. national, or a resident of Canada or Mexico, for some part of the year.

4 replies

June 1, 2019
Did he live with you the entire calendar year? What about his parents?
jose1583Author
June 1, 2019
No, only they lived with me for few months(3 months) last year, right now only I support them financially
June 1, 2019
See requirements below.
June 1, 2019

I assume that the child is not related to you.  A "godchild" relationship is not considered related. 

He/she may be a “qualifying relative” dependent if:

…He/she is not filing a joint return with anyone else

.…He/she does not file a tax return claiming someone else as a dependent

…He/she is no one else's qualifying child

He/she lived in your home as a member of your household for the entire year.

…His/her gross income was $4,000 or less (2015).  Social Security benefits that are not taxable do not count against this limit.

…You provided more than 1/2 his/her support for the year.

…Your living relationship did not violate local law.

…He/she is a U.S. citizen, U.S. resident alien, U.S. national, or a resident of Canada or Mexico, for some part of the year.

Hal_Al
June 1, 2019
Even if he  had lived with you all year and qualified as a dependent, he would still not be a "qualifying child" for the earned income credit, child tax credit or Head of Household filing status, because he is not related.