DEPENDENT

[MNJBAH2017]

Why can't I claim my father as a dependent if he is only listed as a spouse for my mother, but she did not claim him as a dependent?

[KrisD15]

Taxpayers do not claim their spouse as a dependent. They are listed as sharing the return.

It could be possible for your mother to file a separate return (only claiming herself) if your father is your dependent (if you supply more that half your father's support). 

According to the IRS:

Some people cannot be claimed as your dependent. Generally, you may not claim a married person as a dependent if they file a joint return with their spouse.

IRS LINK

[MNJBAH2017]

That is understandable. However, my mother filed separate, but married. My father's SSN is listed on the return. Is that why he cannot be claimed as a dependent? 

Thank you!

[Vanessa A]

Clarification....Did your father file a return?  Are you sure your mother filed as married filing separate?  If a separate return was filed, did your mother indicate that someone else could claim him as a dependent on their return? 

What error message are you getting when trying to claim your father? If you are getting rejected due to duplicate social security number being used, you will need to print and mail your return as it will not be able to be e-filed. 

[Hal_Al]

You answered something wrong in the interview (or your correct answer disqualified the potential dependent). The interview goes like this:

-At the dependent screen: click add a dependent

-Who else do you support: select someone else, then parent

-Tell us about your parent: enter data

-Tell us more about (name): enter time lived with you and check boxes that apply

-(Name) living situation: check no (spouse is not a relative). Even if the answer is yes, the next question will be can that other relative caim him as a dependent, answer no. 

-(name) marital status: check yes. Check no to filing joint return

-Did (name) make more than $4300: check no

-Did you pay for more than half (name) living expenses: check yes

-Add SS#

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[SweetieJean]

Do your parents live together?  Are they in a Community Property State?

[Hal_Al]

What is it you're trying to accomplish? That is, Have you compared what your parents lose by not filing a joint return to what you gain by getting a dependent?  Usually, that doesn't work out favorably for the family.  But, in this year of duplicate stimulus payments it could.