pleasedontemai...[at]dot.com wrote:
- quote -

Actually, since 2005, the requirement for claiming a
dependent is that they are either your qualifying child or
qualifying relative. The requirements Crystal listed are for
qualifying relative. For a qualifying child, there are only
4: (1) Age- under 19 or under 24 and a full-time student;
(2) Relationship- child, sibling or descendant of one; (3)
Residency- lived with the taxpayer more than 6 months,
including temporary absences, e.g. away at school; (4)
Support- the child did not provide more than half of his/her
own support.

The OP appears to be the qualifying child of his mother and
step- father, so they can claim him as a dependent on their
tax return.

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ryan88[at]ptd.net wrote:

- quote -

You did not tell us where you and your brother were living
in 2006 nor did you tell us the filing status of your
step-father and his wife (your mother). Assuming you both
were residing with them for more than 6 months and your
brother was a full time student for at least part of 5
months in 2006, you are both the qualifying children of your
mother and step-father who I assume file a joint tax return.
As their qualifying children you are both their dependents
unless you were self-supporting. See IRS Pub 501 or Pub 17
for a worksheet you can use to determine if you were
self-supporting.

Relative to 2007, you might still be qualifying children if
your absence from their home is considered to be temporary.
In other words, you can be at college but still be
considered to be living at home. Therefore, if you do not
want to be considered still "living at home", you need to
establish your residence and domicile at some other place.
It is best not to live on campus in a dorm as that is
usually considered a temporary place. In addition, you
should try to become self-supporting. You use your own funds
to provide more than half of your own total support.

--
Alan
http://taxtopics.net

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yan88[at]ptd.net wrote:

- quote -

If you do not meet the dependency tests to qualify as a
dependent of your stepfather or anyone else, you should
claim your own personal exemption. However, if you are
living in his home, you may well be a dependent whether or
not he ever gives you any cash.

The dependency tests are:
Relationship - dependent must have certain family
relationship (stepchildren count) or be a member of the
household for the entire year if unrelated
Citizenship or residency - must be a citizen or resident of
the U.S. or a resident of Canada or Mexico
Joint return - dependents cannot file a joint return
Gross income - dependents must have gross income under the
current limit (refer to Pub. 17) or be under the age of 19
or a full-time student under the age of 24 or disabled
Support - person claiming dependent must provide over half
the support or meet the multiple support agreement test
(usually for aged relatives)

Let's assume for the sake of argument that you are not your
step-father's dependent. It does not matter who files
first. If your stepfather files first, the only impact is
that you will not be able to file electronically. You can
still file on paper claiming your own personal exemption.
This will generate correspondence with the IRS and you will
be required to prove that you are self-supporting. You may
also amend prior years' returns - up to three years back -
to claim your own personal exemption.

-Crystal

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yan88[at]ptd.net wrote:

- quote -

Your situation may require a little bit more than can be
handled easily in this NG. It would be a good idea if you
went to talk to a tax advisor. You can get free tax help
through the IRS VITA/TCE tax program. You will find them at
many large (or even small) libraries. Call the libraries in
your area and make arrangements to visit the VITA people and
explain your situation. It's free, and they will give you
good tax planning advice.

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yan88[at]ptd.net wrote:

- quote -

Ok, you don't like your step-father. But if he files a joint
return with your mother, it's the two of them, not just him.

You need to ask the financial aid question elsewhere and when
you do, you will need provide significantly more information
than you did here.

Dick

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I am 18 years old a senior in high school, my brother is 20
years old in college. I have been working for 2 years and my
brother has been working for 4 years. My mom is remarried,
my step dad has been claiming us for a long time, he does
NOT give me or my brother a dime never helped pay for
anything for the 10 years he has been married to my mom. My
mother is the only one that helps me and my brother out, the
rest me and my brother pay for most of our stuff. (my real
dad helps too) My step dad is a d|ck. I have been
recieving Social Security checks because my real father is
on disability. My brother stopped recieving s.s since he
graduated being a senior out of high school. 2 years ago my
brother got $20.00 back from the gov't dont know why.....
last year he had to pay in because his work screwed stuff
up. Last year for me i got my taxes done asap before my
step dad because he got an extention. (so that year my
brother wasnt about to recieve financial aid) I got my
check back before my step dad even filed his. Is this going
to screw up my brothers loan for college or either of our
tax returns? This year 2007 my brother and I will be
leaving home and going to college. Anyone give me any info
thanks!!

<< ================================================== ===== > << The foregoing was not intended or written to be used, > << nor can it used, for the purpose of avoiding penalties > << that may be imposed upon the taxpayer. > << > << The Charter and the Guidelines for submitting posts > << to this newsgroup as well as our anti-spamming policy > << are at www.asktax.org. > << Copyright (2006) - All rights reserved. > << ================================================== ===== >