Child living here temporarily is not dependent but why turbo referring to them as a dependent?

[massachusetts1]

An adult child that (obviously) used to be a dependent in the past is living at my home good part of past year. They do not contribute to any expenses for the home or myself. The child had minimal income due to a layoff. (that will soon change. But not for last year.)

I entered their name at start of Turbo process since Turbo asked (Turbo knows child was a dependent in past), and that they live with me. I also clearly indicated they are a non-dependent, and I just checked the entry and it is clear.

At start of Health Insurance section under Personal, it says, we'll enter both of you....(paraphrasing). Why refer to "both"?  And then Turbo wants to know what months each of us are covered for ins.  And then asks, "are any of your dependents required to file a return?".   How do I answer these if child is not a dependent and doesn't contribute?  Or should I just remove their name at start of Turbo since it seems to confuse the program?

Thank you.     ONE MORE--  My child bought their own ins. coverage and still carries it.

[macuser_22 · Accepted solution]

If the (adult) child is not your dependent then the child should not be on your tax return at all.  Just delete the dependent all together.

However, you might be able to claim the child as a dependent and get a $500 credit if you support the child and their income was less than $4,050 for the year.

Assuming the "child" is over 18 and not a full-time student under age 24).

---Tests to be a Qualifying Relative (& Unrelated Persons)---
       (Must meet ALL of these tests to be a dependent)

1.  The person cannot be your qualifying child or the qualifying child of any other taxpayer.

2. The person either must be related to you, or must live with you all year (all 365 days - There are exceptions for temporary absences such as school, illness, business, vacation, military service) as a member of your household.

3. The person's gross income for the year must be less than $4,150 (tax-exempt income, such as certain social security benefits, is not included in gross income)

4. You must provide more than half of the person's total support** for the year.

5. The person is not filing a joint return.

In any case, the person must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. resident alien, U.S. national, or a resident of Canada or Mexico

The above is simplified; see IRS Publication 501 for full information.
https://www.irs.gov/publications/p501#en_US_2018_publink1000220939

** Worksheet for determining support
https://www.irs.gov/publications/p501#en_US_2018_publink1000292527

[massachusetts1]

You answered it!  They don't qualify as dependent at all.  I appreciate it.  Thank you.