Frequently Asked Questions
Question:
My son, Mike, is 20 years old and is a full time college student. He has a part time job, but lives with me. Can I still claim him on my taxes?
Answer:
There are generally five tests to be met in order to claim your child as your dependent.
Those tests are relationship, age, residency, support, and if your son is a qualifying person for someone else, the tie-breaker rules may apply. The age test for a college student is under the age of 24 at the end of the year and a full time student. The support test must be considered if the income from his part time job is substantial enough that he is providing over half his own support. From the information provided, it appears your son can be claimed as your dependent.
Question:
If I claim my son, Mike, as a dependent on my return, can he claim himself as a dependent when he files his tax return?
Answer:
If an individual is filing his own return, and can be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s return, he cannot claim his own personal exemption, but will still be entitled to a standard deduction. He should check the box indicating that someone else can claim him as a dependent.
The staff at ActionTax welcomes your questions. Please call 618-466-4100.