Support test

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  • HBurkholder
    Member
    • Mar 2006
    • 64

    #1

    Support test

    Was preparing my son's fiancés return last eve, She told me that HR did not allow her parents to claim her as a Dependant. She meets all the tests for qualifying child in my mind. the only thing that may disqualify her would be the dependency test. How do you all determine whether the child furnishes "over half of his own support"? In this case she owns her own car, buys the gas,pays insurance, buys her own clothes, and pays her own cell phone bill. The parents charge nothing for room and board. It seems to me that the ownership and operating costs of a home and the cost of food would be over half of support. It seems to me that the case could be argued either way. what are your thoughts?
  • JohnH
    Senior Member
    • Apr 2007
    • 5339

    #2
    Wouldn't her age + income disqualify her unless she's a student?
    "The only function of economic forecasting is to make astrology look respectful" - John Kenneth Galbraith

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    • WhiteOleander
      Senior Member
      • Jun 2005
      • 1370

      #3
      Originally posted by JohnH
      Wouldn't her age + income disqualify her unless she's a student?
      That's what I was thinking too. If she's over 18, not a student, and made over 3500.00 she can't be claimed as a dependent.
      You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say will be misquoted, then used against you.

      Comment

      • FEDUKE404
        Senior Member
        • May 2007
        • 3646

        #4
        Not enough facts yet

        Age and school status will provide you with the proper answer.

        If she is merely "living with her parents" then HRB may well be correct.

        If she meets the "student" status, and the parents are paying a lot of her costs (lodging/food/medical) then the parents have a good shot at the deduction.

        You also need to review when "child" does or does not apply to claiming a dependent.

        FE

        Comment

        • thomtax
          Senior Member
          • Nov 2006
          • 1276

          #5
          Disregarding the other factors for dependency, there is a worksheet on Page 33 of Pub 17 that can be used for determining support.

          LT
          Only in government or politics is a "cut in spending" really an increase. It's just not as much of an increase as they wanted it to be, therefore a "cut".

          Comment

          • HBurkholder
            Member
            • Mar 2006
            • 64

            #6
            To clarify. she is under 19 at end of 2008 (yes he is robbing the cradle) Her father misunderstood HRB. He did claim her as a dependent but could not take the child tax credit and he thought that meant he was not getting to claim her. It is unreal how little some folks know and understand about taxes.

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