You should check the “This individual is NOT my dependent” box when you are listing someone on your return only to claim the Earned Income Credit (EIC) or to qualify for Head of Household status—but you are not eligible or do not intend to claim that person as a dependent.
This situation often occurs when a child qualifies one parent for EIC based on residency, while the other parent claims the child as a dependent.
Example Scenario
John and Mary share a son. Their son lives with John all year, but their divorce agreement states that Mary and John alternate years claiming him as a dependent.
It is Mary’s year to claim their son as a dependent.
However, because the child lives with John, he is John’s qualifying child for EIC.
- Mary will claim their son as her dependent.
- John will list their son for EIC only, not as a dependent.
On John’s return, he must enter his son’s information and check the box that says “This individual is NOT my dependent.”
How to Mark an Individual as “NOT My Dependent” in the Program
Follow these steps:
- Go to Basic Information in the left‑side menu.
- Select Dependents/Qualifying Person, then choose Add/Edit.
- If the person is already listed, click the three dots next to their name to edit.
- Scroll to the “Check all that apply” section.
- Select the checkbox for “This individual is NOT my dependent.”