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.
Where Do Most Americans Fall With Proposed Tax Reform?
Where Do Most Americans Fall With Proposed Tax Reform? Tax reform is coming. At least that’s what we’ve been led to believe for the better part of a year now. Ever since Donald Trump won the election last November, most of the nation has been expecting tax reform. Here we are a year later and…
What’s the Biggest Mistake By People Who Work a Side Job?
What’s the Biggest Mistake By People Who Work a Side Job? Everyone wants to make more money. For many that mean picking up a side job to earn a little more cash. There are literally hundreds of side jobs out there but most are only good for a few extra dollars. However, there is a…
Senate’s Tax Bill Would Raise Taxes on Stock Sales
Senate’s Tax Bill Would Raise Taxes on Stock Sales Capital gains have long been a controversy when it comes to taxes. Many high net worth individuals use capital gains to make the majority of their money. Because the tax rate on gains from stock sales are much lower than taxes on personal income, this is…
Five Helpful Tips to Be More Productive and Organized
Five Helpful Tips to Be More Productive and Organized You want to be more organized, right? Most people do. However, there are certain things you need to do in order to get more organized and become more productive. The problem is, many people spend way too much time on tasks of little or no consequence.…