2124058
Hi tax gurus,
My spouse's parents live in Mexico (they aren't US citizens) and last year was a tough one for them. So tough, that my father-in-law was unable to work and receive any income and my spouse had to send them money to pay for all their expenses. Can we (since we file jointly) claim them as dependents in this year's tax returns and deduct the money given away to support them?
Thanks!
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The IRS has a handy quiz tool that asks you questions and usually helps identify if someone can be claimed as a dependent.
There is a button at the bottom of the IRS page to "Begin" the quiz.
https://www.irs.gov/help/ita/whom-may-i-claim-as-a-dependent
In most cases, dependents have to have either a valid social security number or other valid taxpayer identification number to be claimed as a dependent.
Yes, you may be able to claim your parents as dependents as long as they have a valid ITIN or SSN..
According to the IRS:
You could claim your elderly parents as dependents even if they don't live with you for the entire year as long as they meet the qualifying relative test:
An individual must meet all 4 of these requirements in order to be considered your Qualifying Relative:
Yes, your parent does not need to be a US Citizen if they are a resident of Mexico (or Canada).
An individual must meet all 4 of these requirements in order to be considered your Qualifying Relative:
This person can’t be a qualifying child to you or anyone else.
This person must have lived with you OR be a relative of yours. (Parent)
This person must have gross income of less than $4,300
This person must have gotten more than half their support from you.
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