What Is a Dependent?

A dependent is someone for whom you provide more than half of their financial support during the tax year. Claiming a dependent on your tax return may make you eligible for valuable tax benefits, such as the Child Tax Credit or the Credit for Other Dependents.

To qualify as a dependent, the person must generally meet the following criteria:

• Be related to you (such as a child, sibling, or parent) or live with you for the entire year
• Be a US citizen, a US resident alien, or a resident of Canada or Mexico
• Not be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return
• Meet certain income limits, depending on your relationship to them and their age

If you’re unsure whether someone qualifies as your dependent, enter their information in the Greenback Tax Companion questionnaire, and your accountant will help you determine their eligibility.

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