Skip to main content
Level 1
February 16, 2025
Question

Claiming a dependent

  • February 16, 2025
  • 2 replies
  • 0 views

I’m wondering if I can claim my boyfriend who has been living with me as a dependent on my return? He receives food stamps but no other income.

    2 replies

    Level 15
    February 16, 2025

    Maybe.    If he lived with you the whole year and had less than $5050 of income not counting Social Security, you may be able to claim him for the $500 credit for other dependents.

     

    Qualifying relative

    • They don't have to be related to you (despite the name).
    • They aren't claimed as a dependent by someone else.
    • They're a U.S. citizen, resident alien, national, or a Canadian or Mexican resident.
    • They aren’t filing a joint return with their spouse.
    • They lived with you the entire year (exceptions apply).
    • They made less than $5050 in 2024 (not counting Social Security)
    • You provided more than half of their financial support.

    When you add someone as a dependent, we'll ask a series of questions to make sure you can claim them. There may be other tax benefits you can get when you claim a dependent.

    Related Information:

     

    **Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to offer the most correct information possible. The poster disclaims any legal responsibility for the accuracy of the information that is contained in this post.**
    DawnC
    Level 15
    February 16, 2025

    Here are the qualifications for claiming him as a dependent as a qualifying relative.  

     

    • They don't have to be related to you (despite the name).
    • They aren't claimed as a dependent by someone else.
    • They're a US citizen, resident alien, national, or a Canadian or Mexican resident.
    • They aren’t filing a joint return with their spouse.
    • They lived with you the entire year (exceptions apply).
    • They made less than $5,050 in 2024.
    • You provided more than half of their financial support.

     The food stamps don't count as income.   When you add someone as a dependent, we'll ask a series of questions to make sure you can claim them, so if you support him, go ahead and add him and answer the questions.  

    **Say "Thanks" by clicking the thumb icon in a post. **Mark the post that answers your question by clicking on "Mark as Best Answer"