My mother claimed my husband and I as dependents for 2 years 2015-16. Last year I earned $15k. I believe she can't claim us. Does she need my w2 for her taxes?

[cosmicblue84]

We are both 32 and live in CA.  My mother claimed us as qualifying relatives in the past. She still supports us and pays for our (individual) health plans. I asked if she can still benefit by claiming us as dependents, but my accountant said no because I earned $15k and that I should file jointly with my husband. My mother says that her accountant needs my W2 for her tax return. I don't think she does because I need that to file my own tax return. Am I correct?

[VolvoGirl]

Even if she claimed you she doesn't need your W2 for anything.

[fanfare]

her accountant needs to take your word for it when you tell your mom you made $4,050 or more.

[VolvoGirl]

I think the mother's accountant wants to do their return too.

[BMcCalpin · Accepted solution]

You are correct. You can't be a qualifying relative because you make too much money.

Although I don't know how much you and your spouse will owe in taxes, you should file just to try to get some withholding back.

Her accountant doesn't need your W-2, you do.

[Hal_Al]

You don’t say what your spouse makes. You mother may be able to claim her as a qualifying relative dependent, but that requires you to file as Married Filing Separately. For a full discussion, see https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/2938663-can-i-claim-my-daughter-who-got-married-on-december-19th-2...

[cosmicblue84]

My accountant said no. My spouse can't be claimed as a dependent because I earned $15k, living in CA my income is under community property (community income) so we each earned more than $4,050. Does that make sense?

[Hal_Al]

Yes, the community property rule would apply