Maybe.
You can claim a child, relative, friend, fiancé(e), and so on as a dependent on your 2024 taxes as long as they meet the following requirements:
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 US 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; See below)
They made less than $5,050 in 2024.
You provided more than half of their financial support.
When you add someone as a dependent, the program will 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.
For more information, read TurboTax article: Rules for Claiming Dependents on Taxes
Certain relatives may qualify as dependents even if they don't live with you:
- Children (including legally adopted), stepchildren, foster children, or any of their descendants
- Siblings, including half and step siblings
- Parents and their direct ancestors (excluding foster parents)
- Stepparents
- Aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews
- Fathers-in-law, mothers-in-law, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, brothers-in-law, and sisters-in-law
- Any of these relationships that were established by marriage and not ended by divorce or death
To be claimed as a dependent, your relative must also:
- Have been a U.S. citizen or resident, or a resident of Canada or Mexico for at least part of the year
- Received less than $5,050 gross income (except nontaxable Social Security benefits) in 2024
- Received more than 50% of their support from you (this is why incarcerated relatives almost never qualify)
- Not be claimed as a dependent by another taxpayer
- Not file a joint return with another taxpayer
TurboTax FAQ: Does a dependent for 2024 have to live with me?
@rayterry356
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