I am trying to figure out if we qualify for earned income credit with 1 dependent. My significant other is our only source of income. I'm his partner with no income and a stay at home mom for my daughter that is 9 year old. He supports us 100% and has been living since we started living with him the last 14 months. Can he claim the earned income credit for my daughter?

ANSWER

The BIDaWIZ Team's Answer:

Unfortunately, your significant other cannot claim your daughter as part of the earned income credit. He must be married to the childâ??s parent or you during the tax year in question to receive the credit for your daughter. You also cannot claim the credit for your daughter because you have no earned income during the year. However, your significant other may be able to claim the earned income credit for himself if his earned and adjusted gross income for the year is less than $14,340. If this is the case, the credit is $487 for the 2013 tax year. This is referenced in IRS Publication 596 and IRC Section 32.