
How to Claim a Tax Dependent: Rules, Qualifications
Tax dependents are either qualifying children or qualifying relatives, and they can score you some big tax breaks.

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Explore all of NerdWallet's taxes content, including articles on brackets and rates, planning and strategy, credits and deductions and navigating tax trouble.
Filing a joint tax return is the most popular choice for married taxpayers, and it can often come with the most benefits.

The tax rate you pay on the highest portion of your taxable income is known as your marginal tax rate. Here’s how to determine it.

Under the kiddie tax, a child's investment income over a certain amount is taxed at the parent or guardian’s tax rate.

Filing a joint tax return is the most popular choice for married taxpayers, and it can often come with the most benefits.

The tax rate you pay on the highest portion of your taxable income is known as your marginal tax rate. Here’s how to determine it.

Under the kiddie tax, a child's investment income over a certain amount is taxed at the parent or guardian’s tax rate.

Filing a joint tax return is the most popular choice for married taxpayers, and it can often come with the most benefits.

The tax rate you pay on the highest portion of your taxable income is known as your marginal tax rate. Here’s how to determine it.

Under the kiddie tax, a child's investment income over a certain amount is taxed at the parent or guardian’s tax rate.

Filing a joint tax return is the most popular choice for married taxpayers, and it can often come with the most benefits.

The tax rate you pay on the highest portion of your taxable income is known as your marginal tax rate. Here’s how to determine it.

Under the kiddie tax, a child's investment income over a certain amount is taxed at the parent or guardian’s tax rate.

Tax dependents are either qualifying children or qualifying relatives, and they can score you some big tax breaks.

Gross income is a tally of all your earnings pre-tax. Here's how to figure it and how it differs from net income and adjusted gross income.

Using the head of household tax filing status could save you money if you qualify.

With 250+ articles and 80+ years of combined expertise, our team helps you make confident financial choices. Discover more from NerdWallet's writers and strategists.

The 2025 federal income tax rates range from 10% to 37% and apply to taxes due by April of this year. Find out which bracket you're in.


The IRS adjusts the federal tax brackets annually to keep pace with inflation. The 2026 tax brackets apply to taxes filed in 2027.


AI excels at tax law recall, but it struggles to grasp the nuances and quirks of humans.


Not to be confused with the additional standard deduction for seniors, the new senior tax deduction allows qualified filers to shelter even more of their income from taxes.


Only 2% of federal income tax returns were filed through Free File, despite 70% of filers qualifying.


Despite 70% of taxpayers qualifying for Free File, less than 1.9% used the service in fiscal year 2023.


Most forms of income count as taxable — but not all. Here’s how to calculate yours and some ways to reduce your liability.


The 1099 vs. W-2 divide involves differences in job duties and tax implications. Here’s what to know, whether you’re a worker or an employer.


Gross income is a tally of all your earnings pre-tax. Here's how to figure it and how it differs from net income and adjusted gross income.


Tax season — which runs from late January to mid-April — is a period when the IRS begins reviewing tax returns, but you may not have to wait until then to file.


The tax rate you pay on the highest portion of your taxable income is known as your marginal tax rate. Here’s how to determine it.


Taxpayers who don’t pay their full tax bill by the filing deadline are subject to a 7% underpayment interest fee, among other penalties.


Filing a joint tax return is the most popular choice for married taxpayers, and it can often come with the most benefits.


The premium tax credit is a refundable credit that helps some taxpayers afford health insurance premiums. The advance PTC lowers the premiums themselves.


You can use the online Taxpayer Assistance Center locator to find an IRS tax office near you.



Most Americans will file taxes this year, but most don't know all of their filing options, including Free File.


Backup withholding is a tax on certain nonpayroll income. Learn more about how it works, which payments it applies to and how to stop it.


Under the kiddie tax, a child's investment income over a certain amount is taxed at the parent or guardian’s tax rate.


Form 1095-C is not required for employees to file taxes, but it’s good to keep it for your tax records.
