A dependent doesn't always have to be your child. Dependents come in all shapes, sizes, and relationships. If all of the statements below are true, you can claim someone as a dependent.
- Relationship: The person lives in your home for the entire year and is considered to be a member of your household. If they don't live with you, they need to be related to you
- Income: Generally, their income is less than $4,700 (not including Social Security and welfare)
- Support: Generally, you provide more than half the person's support
- Marital status: Generally, a dependent can't do their taxes with a spouse (married filing jointly). They also can't be a dependent on someone else's return
- Nationality: The person is a US citizen, or a resident or national of the US, Canada, or Mexico
Still not sure? We'll ask you questions in TurboTax to help you figure out who you can claim as a dependent.
