DEPENDENT

6 replies
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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

Alumni - Intuit

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

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MNJBAH2017Author

Level 2

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

Alumni - Intuit

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.

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