Who can you claim as a dependent on your tax return?
This is the most important question on every taxpayer’s mind at the time of tax filing. So, below are few basic rules for adding dependents on your tax returns :
There are 2 types of dependents who may be claimed on your tax returns :
- Qualifying child
- Qualifying relative
Common rules for both types of dependents
- Cannot be claimed by anyone else on another tax return.
- The qualifying person should be a US Citizen, US national or US resident alien, resident of Mexico or Canada
- If the qualifying person is filing a joint return, he /she cannot be claimed on the tax return.
1.Qualifying child: Listed below are the most basic rules for claiming a child on your tax return.
a) The child must be younger than you or your spouse unless the child is disabled.
b) The child should be under the age of 19 or under 24 if a student.
c) There is no age limit to claim your dependent if they are disabled.
d) The child has to be related to your daughter, son, brother, sister, stepbrother, stepsister, half brother, half sister, stepchild, foster child, or a descendant.
e) The child should have lived with you for at least half a year.
f) They can have a job but the job should not be providing more than 50% financially.
2. Qualifying relative: Listed below are few basic guidelines.
a) A qualifying relative cannot have more than $4,050 as yearly income.
b) Qualifying relative should be related to you or should have lived with you all year. If they do not live with you, they may still qualify. Consult a tax professional if unsure.
c) You must be supporting them financially more than 50% of their total support
There may be many complexities depending on if parents are separated or depending on who provides the financial support or who is the primary caregiver for the child. Consult a tax professional for more information to check if your relative or child qualifies as a dependent.