Qualifying Relative as A Dependent

This tool is for Tax Year 2017: January 1 - December 31, 2017. You can no longer e-file 2017 IRS or state tax returns. If you were owed a tax refund for 2017, you can no longer claim this as 2017 and previous year refunds have since expired. If you still need to file a 2017 individual income tax return, see previous year return resources. File your current year tax return entirely online on eFile.com and let us do the hard work for you - sign up here so you can eFileIT each tax year.

2017 Tax Dependents

You can claim someone as a dependent on your tax return if, according to IRS rules, they are a qualifying relative or a qualifying dependent; a child or grandchild, for example.

Simply use the RELucator tax tool below to find out if a relative qualified as a dependent in 2017 on your tax return. Once you answer a few simple questions about your tax situation, you will find out if you can claim someone as a qualifying relative. It's that easy! Use our other free tax tools to discover your filing status, find out if you can claim tax credits, and more!

The "RELucator" tax tool will help you determine if someone is your qualifying relative and therefore your dependent.

Just answer the "Yes" and "No" questions until you reach a conclusion.

See all of the requirements for claiming a qualifying relative as your dependent.

Can I Claim a Tax Credit for Having a Non-Child Dependent?

You can claim a nonrefundable tax credit up to $500 for a dependent that is your qualifying relative (not your qualifying child) and does not qualify you to claim the Child Tax Credit. The credit amount begins to phase out at a maximum income of $200,000 ($400,000 for Married Filing Jointly taxpayers).

Important: This credit is available for Tax Years 2018-2025 and may have age restrictions, meaning it cannot be claimed on a 2017 Tax Return.

What If Someone Is Not My Qualifying Relative?

You can still claim them as a dependent if they are your qualifying child. Find out if someone is your qualifying child. If they are not your qualifying child nor your qualifying relative, then you cannot claim them as a dependent.

Why and How Do I Claim Dependents?

Dependents are good news when it comes to your tax return because dependents may qualify you for other tax deductions and credits. Find out how to claim dependents on your tax return.

Prepare your current year tax return on eFile.com and we will help claim your dependents and applicable tax credit and deductions related to dependents. On eFile.com, you do not have to worry about handling any complicated tax forms when filing for the current tax year. See how the eFile Tax App works and eFileIT.

TurboTax^® is a registered trademark of Intuit, Inc.
H&R Block^® is a registered trademark of HRB Innovations, Inc.