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Why can't I claim my fiance's 17yo daughter as a dependent, when she only made $5000 last year but I supported her and she lived with me all year.

 
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2 Replies

Why can't I claim my fiance's 17yo daughter as a dependent, when she only made $5000 last year but I supported her and she lived with me all year.

Since your GF's daughter is not related to you, she could only be claimed as a qualified relative dependent but she made too much money.   She had over $4300 of income which means you cannot claim her.   Her own parent could claim her, however.   Why isn't her parent claiming her?   Her parent can claim her and get the child tax credit and possibly the 3rd EIP payment (unless she already got that payment last year.).  

 

 

WHO CAN I CLAIM AS A DEPENDENT?

 

 

You can claim a child, relative, friend, or fiancé (etc.) as a dependent on your 2021 taxes as long as they meet the following requirements:

Qualifying child

  • They're related to you.
  • They aren't claimed as a dependent by someone else.
  • They're a U.S. citizen, resident alien, national, or a Canadian or Mexican resident.
  • They aren’t filing a joint return with their spouse.
  • They're under the age of 19 (or 24 for full-time students).
    • No age limit for permanently and totally disabled children.
  • They lived with you for more than half the year (exceptions apply).
  • They didn't provide more than half of their own support for the year.

Qualifying relative

  • They don't have to be related to you (despite the name).
  • They aren't claimed as a dependent by someone else.
  • They're a U.S. citizen, resident alien, national, or a Canadian or Mexican resident.
  • They aren’t filing a joint return with their spouse.
  • They lived with you the entire year (exceptions apply).
  • They made less than $4,300 in 2021.
  • You provided more than half of their financial support.

When you add someone as a dependent, we'll ask a series of questions to make sure you can claim them. There may be other tax benefits you can get when you claim a dependent.

**Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to offer the most correct information possible. The poster disclaims any legal responsibility for the accuracy of the information that is contained in this post.**
Hal_Al
Level 15

Why can't I claim my fiance's 17yo daughter as a dependent, when she only made $5000 last year but I supported her and she lived with me all year.

Q. Why can't I claim my fiancé's 17yo daughter as a dependent, when she only made $5000 last year?

A. The reason is because  she made $5000 last year.

 

There are three fundamental  (and three more technical) requirements for claiming an unrelated person as a dependent.  All three requirements must be met.  One of those tests is their income (it must be less than $4300).  The fact that you supported her, is not enough. 

 

 

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