What is the Credit for Other Dependents and when does it apply?

The Credit for Other Dependents (ODC) is a $500 nonrefundable credit for each dependent who doesn't qualify for the Child Tax Credit. It commonly covers children age 17 or older, college students you support, a dependent parent, or another qualifying relative who lives with you and whom you support financially. Unlike the Child Tax Credit, the dependent doesn't need a Social Security number, an ITIN is enough, but they must still pass the IRS dependency tests, including income limits for qualifying relatives. The ODC shares the same phase-out as the Child Tax Credit, starting at modified AGI of $400,000 married filing jointly and $200,000 otherwise. Because it's nonrefundable, it can lower your tax to zero but won't create a refund. If you support aging parents, wealthserene.com/for/aging-parents walks through the broader planning.