There are many variables to consider when determining if an individual qualifies as a dependent for tax purposes. As each situation can be different, TaxAct does not make the determination of which dependents qualify; this must be determined by the user. TaxAct calculations are based on the user entering eligible dependents into the program. If an individual does not qualify to be your dependent, don't enter their information into the program as a dependent.

To help decide who qualifies as a dependent, try using the IRS Interactive Tax Assistant (ITA) Who May I Claim as a Dependent? topic.

TaxAct also offers a Dependent Quiz which you can access by clicking Federal, clicking Basic Information in the Federal Quick Q&A Topics menu to expand, then clicking the Dependents and other qualifying persons link.

Note that any link in the information above is updated each year automatically and will take you to the most recent version of the document at the time it is accessed.