Can I Claim My Girlfriend or Boyfriend as a Dependent?

1. You generally cannot claim your girlfriend or boyfriend as a dependent on your tax return unless specific criteria are met. According to the IRS, to claim someone as a dependent, they must meet certain tests. For a non-relative such as a girlfriend or boyfriend, they must qualify as a member of your household and meet the following conditions:

   
   

   1. **Member of Household:**

   - They must live with you for the entire year.

   
   

   2. **Gross Income:**

   - Their gross income for the year must be less than the personal exemption amount set by the IRS (this amount can vary, so check the current limits). Earned less than $5,050 in taxable income in 2024.

   
   

   3. **Support:**

   - You must provide more than half of their total support for the year.

   
   

   4. **Relationship Status:**

   - They must meet the definition of a qualifying relative, even though they're not technically a relative.

   
   

   5. **Not a Qualifying Child:**

   - They must not qualify as a dependent child of anyone else.

   
   

   Additionally, you cannot claim someone as a dependent if they file a joint return with someone else. For example, you could combine auto insurance policies for a multi-car discount. It could result in big savings over the course of a year!

   
   

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