Parents filed as Independent in 2019 got stimulus checks including third. Can I include them as dependent in my 2020 tax return and get the dependent tax credit of $500?

[amechu]

Parents filed a Null Tax Return in 2019 since they had no income and got their stimulus checks including the third one earlier this year.  They stayed with me for the whole of 2020.  Can I include them as dependents in my tax return so I can get the $500 adult dependent tax credit for 2020?

[ColeenD3 · Accepted solution]

Yes, if they meet the qualifications.

Qualifying Relative

You can claim a child, relative, friend, fiancé (etc.) as a dependent on your 2020 taxes as long as they meet all of the following requirements :

• You provided more than half of their financial support. More info
• They made less than $4,300 in gross income during 2020 unless they are a qualifying child.
• They live with you or they are related to you. (Your relative must live at your residence all year or be on the list of “relatives who do not live with you” in Publication 501.) 
• They are a U.S. citizen, resident alien, national, or a Canadian or Mexican resident.
• They aren't (or won't be) claimed as a dependent by someone else.
• They aren’t filing a joint return with their spouse.
• You are not being claimed as a dependent on someone else's return.