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March 25, 2024
Question

I have family living at my primary residence for free with us. Can I claim them as a dependent?

  • March 25, 2024
  • 2 replies
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My sister-in-law, my cousin, and his two daughters have been living at our primary residency with us for the last year now. Can I claim them as dependents? 

    2 replies

    Employee
    March 25, 2024

    You have not provided enough information .   What income--if any---do any of these people have?   

    **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.**
    March 25, 2024

    Maybe.  From the information that you provided so far, they all sound like potential dependents; the biggest question remaining hinges on any income that each had during the year.

     

    You can claim a child, relative, friend, fiancé(e), and so on as a dependent on your 2023 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 US 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).
      • There's 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 US 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 $4,700 in 2023.
    • 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.

     

    TurboTax FAQ: Who can I claim as my dependent?

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