Can you claim a adult dependent if you only one providing support ?

[saralopez605]

I'm confused about the 2120 form .. if your supporting a adult relative with no help does that meen you CANT claim them as a dependent ? And why if you still payed more than half of there expenses for the year . Also can you claim a adult dependent without a 2120 form or will you get into trouble ?

[SeanE1 · Accepted solution]

If you are the only person providing support for the adult, you will not need the multiple support agreement (Form 2120).  If the conditions on the IRS test below are met, you can claim the adult as a dependent on your tax return.

Qualifying Relative

These 4 tests (all of them) will qualify a relative as a dependent:

• Not Qualifying Child: They are not your or another taxpayer’s “qualifying child” 
• Gross Income: Dependent has to earn less than $4,050 in 2016.
• Total Support: You provide more than half of the total support for the year.
• Member of Household or Relationship: The person (a friend, girlfriend, non blood relative) must live with you all year as a member of your household or be one of the relatives that doesn’t have to live with you (mother, father, brother, sister, aunt, uncle, stepmother, stepfather, your child, stepchild, foster child, adopted child, etc) Note: this list is not all inclusive.