FAQ
Here are the answers to
some of the most Frequently Asked Questions our firm
receives.
Q. My child lives at home
but is filing her own tax return this year, can I still claim
my child when I file?
A. If a
dependent is filing their own tax return and if they can be
claimed as a dependent on their parent's (or someone else's)
return, then they cannot claim their own personal exemption. In
this case, they should check the box on their return that
someone else can claim them as a dependent. If someone is
filing their own tax return and no one else is eligible to
claim them as a dependent, then they would claim their personal
exemption and would not be listed as a dependent on any other
return.
Q. Can a person claim a
girlfriend as a wife if they have a child or do they have to be
married?
A. You are
considered married if you are living together in a common law
marriage that is recognized in the state where you now live or
in the state where the common law marriage began. If you are
considered married, then you may file as married filing
jointly. If you are not considered married, then you would have
to file as single or head of household.