Should I claim supporting my domestic partner if they lost their job? Will they be penalized on their income tax return?

[gfcardi]

My partner usually file as a single independent, and I don't want my partner to pay more in taxes than I would save by claiming them.

[Carl]

If your partner earned more than $4,300 in 2021, then nobody can claim them as a dependent.

See https://apps.irs.gov/app/vita/content/globalmedia/table_2_dependency_exemption_relative_4012.pdf

[xmasbaby0]

Unless your partner had less than $4350 of income (not counting Social Security) in 2021 you cannot claim them.   And all you "get" by claiming them is a $500 credit for other dependents.   And......a dependent is not eligible to receive a stimulus check---so if they did not get the $1400 stimulus check they will not get it if claimed by you  (but you would get it yourself).

CREDIT FOR OTHER DEPENDENTS

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/4499708-what-is-the-500-credit-for-other-dependents-family-tax-cre...

[SweetieJean]

Did he/she receive any unemployment comp?   That counts towards the income limit to claim a dependent.