If my brother was a dependent (>50% of this living expenses from myself) but we are also partners in a failed small business (total loss), can I claim him?

[Rachel_W · Accepted solution]

Yes, you can claim your brother as a Dependent if you meet all of the qualifications. The fact that you were partners in a failed small business does not affect your ability to claim him as a Dependent. 

In addition to you providing over 50% of his support, your Brother has to meet these qualifications as a "qualifying relative" in order for you to claim him:

• He isn't claimed as a dependent by someone else.
• He lived with you the entire year.
• He made less than $4,050 in 2017.
• He is a U.S. citizen, resident alien, national, or a Canadian or Mexican resident.
• He isn't filing a joint return with his spouse.