What is the Dependent Test ?

You cannot claim any dependents if you, or your spouse if filing jointly, can be claimed as a dependent by any other taxpayer You cannot claim a married person who files a joint return as a dependent unless that joint return is only a claim for refund and there would be no tax liability for either spouse on separate returns You cannot claim a person as a dependent unless that person is a US [...]

Dependent or Exemption?

Deduction for personal exemptions suspended Starting with the 2018 tax year, you can’t claim a personal exemption deduction for yourself, your spouse, or your dependents. Prior years: Self Exemption:You can take one exemption for yourself unless you can be claimed as a dependent by another taxpayer. If another taxpayer is entitled to claim you as a dependent, you cannot take an [...]

Should I take a credit or an adjustment for my tuition and fees?

Tax credits, deductions and savings plans can help taxpayers with their expenses for higher education. A tax credit reduces the amount of income tax you may have to pay. A deduction reduces the amount of your income that is subject to tax, thus generally reducing the amount of tax you may have to pay. Certain savings plans allow the accumulated interest to grow tax-free until money is taken [...]

Citizen or Residence Test for Dependents

To meet the citizen or resident test, a person must be a U.S. citizen or resident, or a resident of Canada or Mexico, for some part of the calendar year in which your tax year begins. Children's Place of Residence Children usually are citizens or residents of the country of their parents. If you were a U.S. citizen when your child was born, the child may be a U.S. citizen although the other [...]

Child and Dependent Care Provider

Care includes the cost of services for the qualifying person's well-being and protection. It does not include the cost of clothing and entertainment. You can include the cost of care provided outside your home for your dependent under age 13 or any other qualifying person who regularly spends at least 8 hours a day in your home. If the care was provided by a dependent care center, the center [...]