As much as you love receiving that tax return check in the mail, filing your returns can be a very complicated, headache-producing process. This is especially true if you have a unique dependent situation and aren’t quite sure who you can claim. An experienced tax lawyer can help you determine who can be a dependent and the best way to claim them on your taxes. Read on for information regarding who to claim as a child or adult dependent and what to do if you have a unique family situation.
To claim someone as your dependent, the person must be a US citizen, national, or resident alien and have an SSN, ITIN, or ATIN. In addition to these general principles, there are also age-specific rules dictating who you can claim as your dependent.
In order to claim someone as a child dependent, the following conditions must be met:
Exceptions to these rules include:
The guidelines for claiming an adult as a dependent are very similar to claiming a child dependent and include:
Adult dependents may include siblings, aunts, uncles, in-laws, parents, your domestic partner, or a friend—as long as they meet these criteria.
Under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), you can no longer claim dependent exemptions. Instead, most people can claim a series of tax credits for their children and other dependents. In 2018, these credits ranged from $500 to $2,000, depending on your relationship with the dependent.
Dealing with the IRS can be complicated, especially if you are trying to resolve an issue or concern. Here are three tips for creating smoother dealings with the IRS when working on your dependent claims:
If you received a notice from the IRS disallowing one of your dependents, an experienced tax expert might be able to help. At SH Block, our tax professionals will work with you to communicate your erroneous disallowance to the IRS and resolve the issue with minimal hassle.
Have a unique family situation? The Tax Court is starting to show some leniency towards non-traditional households and may rule in your favor. Consult with an SH Block tax attorney before filing your taxes to determine the best way to claim someone as a dependent to maximize your returns and tax credits.
Contact SH Block by filling out our online form or calling (410) 872-8376 today for your free consultation.
The content provided here is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject.
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