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.
The Inspiration Behind the One Minute Manager
The Inspiration Behind the One Minute Manager “As John Lennon said, “Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans” I met Spencer Johnson at a cocktail party in San Diego- he was a children’s book writer. I don’t know if you remember the the value tale series, the value of honesty,…
American Taxpayers Are All for Real Tax Reform
Taxes, taxes, taxes. One thing is for sure you can’t run and hide from them. While most Americans pay their taxes, some more begrudgingly than others, most taxpayers wish they could pay less. What’s more, most taxpayers would also love to see some real change in the tax system instead of the constant back-and-forth…
Trump Still Not Giving in to Demands Calling for Tax Returns
So what do you think about Donald Trump and his tax returns? This has been the subject of much scrutiny since Mr. Trump announced he was running for president and eventually becoming the republican nominee. Whether you love him or hate him, it appears that most people, even republicans feel that he should release…
TechCrunch Disrupt SF 2016- Koder
TechCrunch Disrupt SF 2016- Koder Alan: Hi, I’m here today with Elmer Morales and he is the co-founder or founder of Koder. Elmer: Founder, yes. That’s right. Alan: Welcome to today’s show. Elmer: Thank you. Thanks for having me. Alan: So Elmer, is this your first company? Elmer: It’s actually my fourth, I’ve had a few others before and you know…