Dependents: Children, Relatives & Others

[KarenL]

If you want to get those juicy dependent tax credits and benefits, it’s important to get it right. Getting it wrong can create an IRS mess you don’t want to be a part of - trust me on this one! If the result isn’t in your favor, not only will you likely owe back taxes but underpayment penalties too. Ouch… And as “family” continues to evolve over the years, so does the confusion over who qualifies as a dependent - and who can claim that dependent on their tax return. The articles listed below will give you everything you need to know to properly claim your dependent and get the tax breaks you deserve.

• What Is a Dependent? An Introductory Guide to Dependents - An easy-to-read guide to get you started.
• Who can I claim as my dependent? - The short version.
• Rules for Claiming Dependents on Taxes - More details than the above - fairly robust informative article.
• Do I have to claim a qualifying child or relative as a dependent? - This is a must read, especially for those with college students.
• Claiming a Domestic Partner as a Dependent - Legally unmarried? This one’s for you.
• Favorite Tax Deductions & Credits for Families! - A sweet little guide to the best family tax credits & deductions!

Bonus reads for dependents:

• Do I need to file my own taxes if I'm a dependent?
• How do I indicate that I can be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s return?

If you need tax advice or have questions that aren't answered in the links above, please ask in our Taxes forum that best fits your needs!