Proof of Residency

What is it?

Proof of residence is a way for professional tax preparers, especially remote ones, to have information proving that your dependent is a qualifying child. This is required for claiming dependents for the Child Tax Credit, Additional Child Tax Credit, Other Dependent Credit, Earned Income Tax Credit, or any other dependent-related credits we may investigate for you.

From the IRS:

All documents need to be dated for the year of the tax return being filed. I have the right to accept, reject, or ask for more information if I believe the proof you provide is not substantial enough.

Things I can NOT take as proof of residence:

Statements from bank accounts/etc
Most mail, even if it is addressed to the child
Birth certificates or social security cards
Pay stubs
Health insurance explainations of benefits (EOBs)

Some things I CAN take as proof of residence:

School or medical records (including screenshots of medical/school "portals") showing the child's name and address that matches yours
Leases or rental agreements that list the child as a resident
Social services records such as SNAP, TANF, etc that list the child and the child's address
Letters from homeless shelters or transitional housing programs that list the child
Child care provider records listing the child's address
Military emergency contacts/beneficiary forms listing the child and address
Unexpired state ID or driver's license listing the current address

If you are unable to furnish the above, I can take letters from schools, healthcare providers, or childcare providers. These letters must be on letterhead of the writing agency and signed by a unique person with their full name and title. The IRS has provided templates I've posted below for your use. Please click each one to see it larger.