Claiming a grandchild
Up to $2,200 credit
Can I Claim My Grandchild as a Dependent?
Short answer: Yes: grandchildren can be your qualifying child if they live with you over half the year and their parent doesn't claim them with a higher AGI.
A qualifying child must live with you more than half the year, be under 19 (or under 24 and a full-time student, or any age if permanently disabled), and not provide over half their own support. The child tax credit is $2,200 per child under 17 for 2026, with up to $1,700 refundable, and the child needs a valid SSN.
Records to keep: Keep receipts, statements (1098, 1098-T, 1099, W-2G), and a note of what each cost was for. Compare itemizing to the 2026 standard deduction before you claim.
Claiming a grandchild
Typical range: Up to $2,200 credit
Individuals / Personal Taxes
Yes: grandchildren can be your qualifying child if they live with you over half the year and their parent doesn't claim them with a higher AGI.
Business justification
Yes: grandchildren can be your qualifying child if they live with you over half the year and their parent doesn't claim them with a higher AGI. A qualifying child must live with you more than half the year, be under 19 (or under 24 and a full-time student, or any age if permanently disabled), and not provide over half their own support. The child tax credit is $2,200 per child under 17 for 2026, with up to $1,700 refundable, and the child needs a valid SSN.
Category
- Personal Tax Deductions