Final answer:
A dependent for tax purposes is typically a person who you financially support, meets certain IRS criteria, and cannot provide more than half of their own financial support. Dependents are often children under 19 or full-time students under 24, or they may be an aged parent or relative who meets specific income and residency tests.
Step-by-step explanation:
For tax purposes, a dependent is generally someone who you financially support, cannot provide more than half of their own support during the tax year, and meets certain criteria set forth by the IRS. The options provided are not entirely accurate as stated. A dependent should meet several conditions:
- They are a child under the age of 19 at the end of the year or a full-time student under the age of 24 at the end of the year.
- Or, they could be a parent or other qualifying relative who meets specific support and gross income tests, and who lives with you for more than half the year (or is related to you).
- They must also be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or a resident alien.
- The person cannot file a joint tax return with someone else (with limited exceptions).
Note that temporary disability or choosing not to go to school, as mentioned in some of the options, do not in themselves define a dependent for tax purposes. Moreover, an aged dependent parent may receive benefits under certain conditions, reflecting the broader scope of who may be considered a dependent beyond just minor children.