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.
What Sets Confident People Apart?
What Sets Confident People Apart? What makes someone successful? Successful people have many positive attributes, but what really sets them apart from others is confidence. Those who have confidence are more likely to succeed than those with self-doubt. That’s really a no-brainer, right? But what makes confident people different? Well, you can start with some…
The Best Way to Deliver Criticism
The Best Way to Deliver Criticism If done in the wrong way, criticism can break a relationship or leave someone feeling bad or upset. When critiquing, you want to avoid these negative emotions at all cost, after all criticizing is meant to help someone improve, not bring them down. Is there a way to criticize…
Social Media Platforms Trying to Shut Down Crypto Scams
Social Media Platforms Trying to Shut Down Crypto Scams The world of cryptocurrency is ripe with excitement. However, it’s just as ripe with scams. In fact, a growing number of entities are doing their part to try to curb some of these scams and protect those interested in investing in cryptocurrency. Recently, Twitter announced that…
Here’s What Successful People Do Differently
Here’s What Successful People Do Differently Think about some of the most successful people you know. What makes them stand out? How did they become successful? What things do they do differently than most people? It takes hard work and the right attitude to become successful. And most successful people share very similar characteristics. So…