Five Important Facts about
Dependents and Exemptions
When you prepare to file your tax return, there are two things that will factor
into your tax situation: dependents and exemptions. Here are five important
facts the IRS wants you to know about dependents and exemptions before you file
your 2009 tax return.
1.
If someone else claims you as a dependent, you may still be required to file
your own tax return. Whether or not you must
file a return depends on several factors, including the amount of your unearned,
earned or gross income, your marital status, any special taxes you owe and, any
advance Earned Income Tax Credit payments you received.
2.
Exemptions reduce your taxable income.
There are two types of exemptions: personal exemptions and exemptions for
dependents. For each exemption you can deduct $3,650 on your 2009 tax return.
Exemption amounts are reduced for taxpayers whose adjusted gross income is above
certain levels, depending on your filing status.
3.
If you are a dependent, you may not claim an exemption. If someone else – such as your parent – claims you
as a dependent, you may not claim your personal exemption on your own tax
return.
4.
Your spouse is never considered your dependent.
On a joint return, you may claim one exemption for yourself and one for your
spouse. If you're filing a separate return, you may claim the exemption for your
spouse only if they had no gross income, are not filing a joint return, and were
not the dependent of another taxpayer.
5.
Some people cannot be claimed as your dependent.
Generally, you may not claim a married person as a dependent if they file a
joint return with their spouse. Also, to claim someone as a dependent, that
person must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. resident alien, U.S. national or resident of
Canada or Mexico for some part of the year. There is an exception to this rule
for certain adopted children. See IRS Publication 501, Exemptions, Standard
Deduction, and Filing Information for additional tests to determine who can be
claimed as a dependent.
For more information on exemptions, dependents and whether or not you or your
dependent needs to file a tax return, see IRS Publication 501. The publication
is available on IRS.gov or can be ordered by calling 800-TAX-FORM
(800-829-3676).
Links:
-
IRS
Publication 501, Exemptions, Standard Deduction, and Filing
Information
