by 
The Curious Bag
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You can claim your child as a dependent on your federal taxes as long as he meets the Internal Revenue Service requirements for age, support and residency.
Age Requirements
You can claim the child as long as she is under the age of 19. If he is a full-time student the age limit increases to 24. If she suffers from a permanent and total disability, there is no age requirement. The IRS defines permanent disability to mean that the child cannot participate in gainful activity because of a physical or mental handicap. In addition, a doctor must certify that the disability has lasted or will last at least one year or that the disability is life-threatening.
Residency Requirements
The child must live with you for at least half of the year. Exceptions to the requirement include students away at school or other temporary absences.
Support Requirements
The child cannot be responsible for supplying more than 50 percent of his expenses.
Deduction
For 2010, each dependent that you claim on your federal tax return decreases your taxable income by $3,650.
Considerations
A child can only be claimed as a dependent on one person's tax return. If you are divorced, or married but file separate returns, only one parent can claim the child as a dependent.
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