The “Discover It Here!” website and blog now features a new article, written by tax expert Frank Ellis, which explains who one can claim as a dependent. An exemption can be claimed for anyone a taxpayer claims as a dependent, the author says. Doing so reduces taxable income. Qualifications such as a child under the taxpayer’s care must be met in order to get tax benefits of claiming them as dependents (https://efiletaxadvisor.com/2019/07/30/child-dependent-care-tax-credit-calculator/).

First, Ellis lists the various qualifying child requirements. The child can be adopted, a step child, or foster child; they can also be a sibling or the child’s descendent. Age requirements are mentioned and so are living requirements. The author also says at least 50% of the dependent’s support must be provided by the taxpayer in order for them to be claimed. Also, the dependent being claimed cannot file a joint return on their own.

Qualified relative requirements are listed next. First this person cannot already be claimed as a dependent by someone. They must be related, or live with the taxpayer claiming them for at least a year. Gross income thresholds and levels of support matter as well. Ellis provides a little insight into that.

Next, the author provides several common questions and answers about claiming dependents. These cover topics such as a dependent having to file taxes, if a taxpayer’s partner and kids live with them, and whether dependents have anything to do with claiming the earned income tax credit (https://claimtheearnedincomecredit.com/earned-income-credit-table/). Ellis also answers questions related to children away at school or whether or not a spouse can be considered a dependent.

Read more about whether someone can be claimed as a dependent and see answers to common questions about this subject at, https://discoverit.typepad.com/blog/2019/07/knowing-who-you-can-claim-as-a-dependent-the-inside-scoop.html

About Frank Ellis

Frank Ellis is a Traverse City Tax Preparation Planner and published author. He has written tax and finance related articles for eight years and has published over 900 articles on leading financial websites.