Can I claim my boyfriend as a dependent? He hasn't worked per dr orders all year. I've taken care of him. Can IRS take my taxes if he owes back child support?

[rutledge_morgan]

My boyfriend lives with me and hasn't been able to work all year because health issues and hasn't been released by Dr to return to work. I've provided for him all year and if I can claim him as a dependent I'd like to. But he owes back child support and I don't want my taxes taken by IRS because I've claimed him as dependent and he owes back child support. So not sure what to do, should I claim him if I'm able to or will IRS not take my taxes?

[VolvoGirl]

Yes you can claim him if he lived with you all year and had less than $5,050 income.  The IRS won’t rake your taxes for his child support.  That’s only if you are married.   Dies he get disability or unemployment or anything?

[rutledge_morgan]

No, He doesn't get anything... He had emergency surgery on January 5,2024 And had a 3 week hospital stay and hasn't been released from his care team since. But when he got released  from the hospital his social worker applied in his behalf for temporary disability but he was denied because he isn't considered permanently disabled and his Drs art the time said he will be able to return to work in a different field they just were unsure when. So per SSA he was told to reapply if he's still not been released from his Drs to return to work when he hits the one year mark of the date of his surgery. That's passed now (barley, but it's passed) and he's recently reapplied so he's waiting on the response from that. But as of now he receives nothing. He has no income at all for the 2024 year and I supported him 100 percent. I just didn't want the IRS to take my taxes if I claimed him on mine because we are struggling  with just one income and then added expenses of co pays , Drs visits etc so I need my taxes desperately. But I also wasn't sure if I could even claim him so. I appreciate you're response and clearing it up that I can and the IRS will not take my taxes. I feel much better now about filling taxes. Haha I have had some stress over this. So Thank you again! Its greatly appreciated! 

[floridagirl]

My boyfriend is also the father of our kids.  We live under the same roof.  His only income is his VA disability.  

[BrittanyS]

You can claim your boyfriend as a dependent if he meets the qualifications of a "qualified relative".  A qualified relative does not mean they have to be related to you.  The qualified relative would need to meet the four qualifications:

1. residency - lived with you the entire year
2. income - did not have income exceeding $5,050
3. support - provide more than half their support
4. status - cannot be claimed as a dependent on someone else's return

For more information on dependents, see the link below:

• Dependents

@floridagirl