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Dear Tax Talk,
I claimed my 25-year-old son as a dependent on my 2010 income tax form. I provided more than half his living expenses and he lived at home for the year. He made about $12,000 in wages in 2010. I’ve gotten my 2010 refund. My son filed his taxes, 1040EZ, as an independent and is due a refund that he has not yet received after six weeks. Is there a problem? — Eugene
Dear Eugene,
You have to learn to let go. You don’t want to get that lesson from the Internal Revenue Service.
There are two types of dependents: a qualifying child and a qualifying relative. A qualifying child has an age limit but no income limit. To be a QC, your son would have to, apart from meeting the other tests such as support, be:
• Under age 19 at the end of the year.
• A full-time student under age 24 at the end of the year.
• Or, permanently and totally disabled at any time during the year, regardless of age.
Since your son was 25 he could only be your QC if disabled (because he made $12,000, this is doubtful). He wouldn’t be considered a qualifying relative as he made too much money. You should consider amending your return, as your son will probably have an issue arise with his tax return, and you are in the wrong.
Ask the adviser
To ask a question on Tax Talk, go to the “Ask the Experts” page and select “Taxes” as the topic. Read more Tax Talk columns.
To ensure compliance with requirements imposed by the IRS, we inform you that any U.S. federal tax advice contained in this communication (including any attachments) is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of (i) avoiding penalties under the Internal Revenue Code or (ii) promoting, marketing or recommending to another party any transaction or matter addressed herein. Taxpayers should seek professional advice based on their particular circumstances.
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