Yes, however they must qualify and one of the limitations is income, see below.
The first thing that often comes to mind when considering dependents is the parent/child relationship. But if you cared for an elderly parent, your parent may qualify as your dependent, resulting in additional tax benefits for you. Once you determine that both of you meet IRS criteria, you can claim your parent as a dependent on your tax return.
The bottom line is a dependent must be your “qualifying child” or “qualifying relative” and meet specific tests in order for you to claim them.
The 5 tests that will qualify a child as a dependent are:
- Relationship: Must be your child, adopted child, foster child, brother or sister, or a descendant of one of these (grand or nephew).
- Residence: Must have the same residence for more than half the year.
- Age: Must be under age 19 or under 24 and a full-time student for at least 5 months. They can be any age if they are totally and permanently disabled.
- Support: Must not have provided more than half of their own support during the year.
- Joint Support: The child cannot file a joint return for the year.
The 4 tests that will qualify a relative as a dependent are:
- Qualifying Child: They are not the “qualifying child” of another taxpayer or your “qualifying child.”
- Gross Income: The dependent being claimed earns less than $4,300 in 2020 ($4,200 in 2019).
- 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 related to you.
[edited 2/2/2021|0942PST]
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