What is the minimum support requirement for claiming a qualifying relative?

To claim someone as a qualifying relative, the minimum support requirement is that you must provide more than one-half of their total support for the year. This means that your financial contributions must account for over 50% of the individual’s necessary expenses, which can include items such as housing, food, medical care, and other living costs.

This guideline is established by the IRS to ensure that the taxpayer truly has a significant financial role in the life of the qualifying relative. If the taxpayer does not meet this threshold, they cannot claim the individual as a dependent.

Understanding this requirement is crucial because it helps determine the eligibility for various tax benefits associated with dependents. Having knowledge of these nuanced rules supports accurate tax filing and compliance with IRS regulations.