Dependents on Your 2020 Return

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If you're not sure if a particular person, such as a child, step-child, sibling, or nephew, might qualify on your 2020 tax return as a dependent, the DEPENDucator tool below will provide your personal answer.

What if you need to know if someone qualifies as a dependent on your current year return? Use the free eFile.com Dependent tool and find out now. You can only prepare and e-file your tax return online in the tax season they are due - sign up for a free eFile.com account and eFileIT.

Claim My Dependent 2020

There are many rules for qualifying dependents; the DEPENDucator makes it easy for you to find out quickly. Depending on your relationship with the person in question, you may also want to use the RELucator tool to determine if a person is a qualifying relative. If a person is a qualifying relative, they can be claimed as a dependent on your tax return.

Your dependent might want to file his or her own return. In that case, the dependent should check off on the Form 1040 that someone is claiming him or her as a dependent. See more on a tax return by a dependent. For your current year return, simply indicate on the eFile Tax App that you will be claimed as a dependent and we will generate the proper forms for you - eFileIT.

See what to do if a dependent was claimed by an unqualified or ineligible taxpayer, e.g in the case of a divorce, separation, or unmarried couples. Start the DEPENDucator below.

The DEPENDucator Tax Tool will help you determine if someone is your qualifying child and dependent. Just answer the "Yes" and "No" questions until the DEPENDucator provides you with an answer. Not only will the DEPENDucator tell you if you can claim someone as your dependent, it will also tell you if your dependent qualifies you for the Child Tax Credit or the Credit for Other Dependents. Our DEPENDucator is a multi-year tool so you can use it for previous years’ tax returns as well! See all of the requirements for claiming a Qualifying Child as a dependent.

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It's good to claim dependents on your tax return because they may qualify you for certain tax credits and/or a more beneficial filing status. Find out how to claim a dependent on your tax return.

If someone is NOT your qualifying child, you can still claim them as a dependent if they are your qualifying relative. Find out if someone is your qualifying relative. If you are not sure if your dependent needs to file their own tax return, visit our guide on whether or not a dependent is required to file a tax return.

See also: the Child and Dependent Care Credit, a calculator for the Child Tax Credit, and a guide for students and taxes.

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