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June 1, 2019
Question

I rent, and I live with roommates. Not related to any of them. Do I need to list their social security numbers and their income?

  • June 1, 2019
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1 reply

June 1, 2019

No - you are generally allowed one personal exemption for yourself. Each exemption reduces taxable income by its value - $4,050 (2016). 

You can take one exemption for yourself unless you can be claimed as a dependent on another return. You are allowed one exemption for each person you can claim as a dependent, but they have to meet the qualifying relative or child tests.

You can claim someone as a qualifying person if your answers match what's in bold

  1. How many months did this person live with you? The whole year
  2. Did this person live with a relative for more than half the yearNo
  3. Did this person make at least $4,050? No
  4. Did you pay for more than half of this person's living expenses? Yes

If your answers don't match, you can't claim this person as a dependent. There are few exceptions. Read more: Who Can I Claim as a Dependent?