If my boyfriend’s mom moved in with me when she was very ill and I paid for housing, food, gas to take her to appointments etc. can I claim her or something on my taxes?

[Carso0522]

I’m not married to my boyfriend obviously so I don’t think she can legally be “a relative” and I live in Arizona.

[xmasbaby0]

If your BF's mother did not live with you for the whole year, we can stop right there--you cannot claim her.

If she lived with you for the whole year in 2024, then we need to know if she had over $5050 of income not counting any Social Security---if she had over $5050 not counting SS, she cannot be claimed as a dependent.

If she lived with you ALL year and had less than $5050 of income not counting SS, you might be able to get 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:

• What does "financially support another person" mean?

[Carso0522]

That clears up basically my question but would it change anything if she almost lived with me all year but it stopped 11/27 because her illness caused her to pass away. So ALL year technically no and idk if it would change anything since she passed away. Sorry if that’s confusing. 

[xmasbaby0]

Actually---yes it does.  If she was with you all year in 2024 until she died, you can claim her and indicate in MY INFO that she passed in 2024.   You will get a non-refundable credit for $500 that will reduct tax you owe.