Qualifying Relative as a Dependent

The information and tool on this page are only for Tax Year 2020 and not the current tax year. Use these tax calculators and tools for the current tax year. As of October 15, 2021, you can no longer e-file 2020 Tax Returns. By May 17, 2024, you will no longer be able to claim a 2020 Refund.

Start your current year taxes now with a free eFile account - with eFile, you can answer simple questions to add your relatives, dependents, income, and other information. The tax app will generate all the complicated forms for you. When you use tax software, you can e-file your return to the IRS, so you do not have to handle mailing any complicated forms.

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According to IRS rules, you can claim someone as a dependent on your tax return if they are a qualifying relative - boyfriend/girlfriend, sibling, etc. - or a qualifying child dependent. To find out if someone is your qualifying relative, simply use our "RELucator" tax tool! Once you answer a few simple questions about your tax situation, you will determine if you can claim someone as a qualifying relative. It's that easy!

Also, check out the DEPENDucator if you are not certain about the status of the relative, etc., or if the person in question is not a qualifying relative.

Check out the RELucator tax tool below! Use our other free tax tools to discover your IRS 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 the end.

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

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

You can claim a nonrefundable tax credit, the Credit for Other Dependents, for $500 per 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).

This credit is available for Tax Years 2018-2025 and may have age restrictions.

If a person does not qualify as your qualifying relative, you can still claim them as a dependent if they are your qualifying child. If they are not your qualifying child or relative, then you cannot claim them as a dependent. Dependents are good news regarding your tax return because they may qualify you for other tax deductions and credits.

See Also:

How does a dependent file a tax return? If your dependent has their own income, they must report this on their own return.
Tax benefits and savings for students; if you claim a dependent that is a student, you may be able to claim student tax credits or deductions on your tax return.
Sign up for an eFile.com account and report your dependents and tax information on your tax return; we handle all the forms and calculations for you!

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