Question

Andrew (39) and Lacy (40) are married, and both are the parents of Zach (9). They all lived together until Lacy moved out on September 25. Zach stayed in the home with Andrew. Lacy earned $42,000 during the year, and Andrew earned $33,000. Andrew and Lacy file separate returns. All are U.S. citizens, and all of Zach's support is provided by both of his parents. If each one tries to claim Zach as a dependent, who is entitled to do so:

A. Not enough information is given to make this determination. B. Neither, since they each have to file married filing separately (MFS) . C. Lacy. D. Andrew.

Answer 1

Answer: Andrew

Explanation: Andrew can claim Zach as a dependent because Zach lives with him, and at Zach's age where he cannot earn his own living, Andrew is responsible for him financially throughout the tax year while Lacy stopped living with Zach on September 25.

To claim a dependent on a tax return, you have to be responsible financially for the person. Other factors that make claiming child as a dependent possible are:

Relation by blood or marriage.

Age: under 19 or less than 24 if a full time student,unless he/she is disabled in which case there is no age limit.

In addition, only one person can claim a person as a dependent. So in this case both parents cannot claim Zach as a dependent, only one can.