Can I claim my 20 year old daughter as a dependent?

Q: My daughter is 20 years old, and has made about $7000 this past year. But she is living in my house, and we paid her medical insurance for half the year, until she turned 20. She pays no room or board. Can I claim her as a dependent? --Kathy

The following answer was provided by Mark Misselbeck, CPA, Levine Katz Nannis & Solomon PC, Needham.

A: A child over the age of 18 must be a full time student going to school for at least 5 months to earn income in excess of $3050 and be claimed as a dependent. It seems you are out of luck. You may file as head of household if you are not filing married jointly.