Monday, 27 January 2014

Exemption for Dependents

The IRS allows deductions in taxable income based on the number of dependents one claims. This however never includes the spouse. Qualified children, relatives and their children constitute dependents in a broad sense. There are definite rules and guidelines that one should consider before a person becomes a dependent, and one is able to claim exemptions on their behalf. In order to do away with any lingering confusions on the dependency issue, there is an online IRS tool available in the form of interactive interview. One can use this tool to determine the number of qualified dependents one has and seek exemptions on taxable income based on that.
Who is Not a Dependent?
Knowing who is not a dependent sometimes clears the doubt and allows understanding of this important issue. There are tests available to ensure the number of qualified dependents. These include resident/citizen test, test for dependent taxpayer, and test for joint returns. Those who want to go through this need to peruse publication 501.
Tax return for Dependents:
Many times it so happens that a defendant may need to file your tax return. It is important to remember that when a person becomes a dependent they are no longer qualified to claim their own personal exemptions. There is a separate form for dependents present, with a worksheet that helps them to calculate their own taxable income reductions, for filing correct returns.

IRS publication 501 is all about making the job easier for taxpayers and helps them through the process of claiming exemptions. The issue regarding dependents seems confusing to untrained eyes but a proper study of the IRS publication and going through given tests can go a long way in resolving various issues.

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