Who Really Qualifies as a Dependent for Taxes?
How many dependents do you really have? Who can really be counted as a dependent? These are some of the most common questions that all taxpayers have. Can you count all of your children, live-in help, or perhaps a dog or other family pet? What about a friend who decides to crash at your place and basically mooch off you the entire year; can he or she be counted as a dependent?
As far as the IRS is concerned, there are two different kinds of dependents but there are dozens of scenarios that can fall under these two categories. There are also different rules for each type. The first type of dependent is classified as a qualifying child. The second type is a qualifying relative.
A qualifying child must be related to you, either by birth or adoption, or be a step or foster child. You must also provide more than half of the child’s total financial support and you can be the only person claiming that child on your return. To be a dependent the child must also be 18-years-old or younger, or if he or she is a full-time student, younger than 24-years-old.
The rules for being counted as a qualifying relative are much different. First, if your relative is a blood relative then he or she does not have to live with you in order to be counted. However, he or she must not provide more than half of his or her own support and that person cannot make more than $4000.
For a person who is not a blood relative to qualify as a dependent – like a lifelong friend who is down on his/her luck, or just plain lazy, or even your significant other – that person must live with you the entire year and their income must be less than $4,000 for the entire year. No one else can claim the person and you have to provide more than half of his or her financial support.
Employee Retention: Reasons Employees Leave
Employee Retention: Reasons Employees Leave Workers still consider a competitive pay and benefits package to be indispensable, but employers need to offer more than that to keep employees satisfied and on the job. Nearly all of the workforce (96 percent) rated a fair salary as very or somewhat important and 93 percent said the same…
The 7 Traits of an Exceptional & Successful Entrepreneur
By Robert Moment Though some people seem to have the Midas touch and easily turn everything to gold, most of us have to give our endeavors lots of time, effort and the sweat of our brow before seeing things come to fruition. The simple truth is that the majority of us are simply not born…
How to Organize a Seminar or an Event
By Matt Bacak Seminars and events have always been implemented as a holistic experience for participants. Thus, organizing a seminar an event requires extensive planning and preparation with most work implemented at least a few months before the actual event. Most of the time, seminars seem to run like clockwork with all events flowing smoothly…
Real Estate Agents are Same as Brokers for “Real Estate Professional Rule” for Passive Losses
Real Estate Agents are Same as Brokers for “Real Estate Professional Rule” for Passive Losses Taxpayer victory in Tax Court Real estate agents can claim the real estate professional exception to the passive loss limitations. The I.R.S. tried to argue that the taxpayer needs to be a “Broker” not a just an “Agent” to meet…