[Anonymous]

Good afternoon and happy Easter folks,

I have a few questions:

#1

I recently passed REG and I was excited to apply the qualifying dependent scenario to myself to help my parents.

Here’s my brief 2015 background:

– 29 years old

– earned < $4K gross income

– lived with my parents

– full-time 6 months for grad school

– supported more than 50% by them

– US citizen

This should make me a qualifying relative, right?

So my parents went to a new accountant yesterday (20+ yrs experience) and I gave my documents so they can claim me as a dependent. They came home later and told me the accountant said I was “too old” to be claimed. I know I’m too old for qualifying child but not relative, right? Do you think he didn’t wanna do additional work? Or he simply isn’t aware of qualifying relative? (Though I doubt that w/ his 20 years of experience). My parents owe $1K so I was hoping by claiming me that could reduce their liability or even possibly give them a refund.

#2

My parents also had my tax return filed (I wasn’t aware they were planning to do this). Had I known this, I would’ve given my 1098-E (Student Loan Interest Statement). I did receive a very small federal and state refund so will including my interest paid increase my refund?

[PharmBoy]

Legally how did the preparer file your tax return without your knowledge or consent?
That makes me question the tax preparer even more than the dependent question.

Straight from the horse's mouth. https://www.irs.gov/publications/p17/ch03.html#en_US_2015_publink1000170933
Example 3.
Your son lives with you but isn't your qualifying child because he is 30 years old and doesn't meet the age test. He may be your qualifying relative if the gross income test and the support test are met.

[Missy]

Figure it out both ways yourself. If they had claimed you as a qualifying relative you wouldn't have been able to claim your own personal exemption and it may have worked out better the way it was done but whomever this is, is either lying about experience or the luckiest tax preparer ever for not getting busted for breaking so many rules. Filing your return without your signature? So wrong.

Licensed Massachusetts Non Reporting CPA since 2012
Finance/Admin/HR Manager

[Author]

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