I've got a tax question: My 42 yr. old son lives out of state.

[Suich]

I've given him more money this year than he's earned. Can I claim him as a dependent? He's cool with it, btw.

Thanks for any help you can offer...

:hi:

[A HERETIC I AM]

1. Probably not.

Think how the IRS would look at it. Did you provide most of his living expenses this year? Did you provide housing for him? Does he have a job? Is he a student? Is he disabled?
Searching www.irs.gov for "Dependent" gave a number of results including this one;

http://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc354.html

Or, go to the 2006 1040 instructions and see page 19;

http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i1040.pdf

You would have to pass all the requirements of a dependent child test in order to claim him as a dependent and you still might not be able to deduct the money. Might be more benefit to seeing if you can deduct it as a gift.


I must say that asking for tax advice on a public message board such as this is ill advised.
SEE A TAX PROFESSIONAL PERSONALLY!

[Suich]

2. I've had an accountant for 27 years.

She was on vacation. I was just asking a question.

[A HERETIC I AM]

3. I realize you were just asking a question. I hope the answer i gave was some help.

BTW, you're welcome