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Tax rules for dependents and exemptions affects most everyone who files federal income tax returns. The following seven facts will help you when you file your taxes this year.
1. Exemptions lower your income. There are two types of exemptions: personal exemptions and exemptions for dependents. You can usually deduct $3,900 for each exemption you claim on your 2013 tax return.
2. Personal exemptions. You can usually claim an exemption for yourself. If you’re married and file a joint return you can also claim one for your spouse. If you file a separate return, you can claim an exemption for your spouse only if your spouse had no gross income, is not filing a return, and was not the dependent of another taxpayer.
3. Exemptions for dependents. You can usually claim an exemption for each of your dependents. A dependent is either your child or a relative that meets certain tests. You can’t claim your spouse as a dependent. You must list the Social Security number of each dependent you claim. If you don’t have a social security number, special rules apply, so don’t hesitate to give us a call if this is your situation.
4. Some people don’t qualify. You generally may not claim married persons as dependents if they file a joint return with their spouse. Again, there are some exceptions to this rule, so call us if you have any questions about this.
5. Dependents may have to file. People that you can claim as your dependent may have to file their own federal tax return. This depends on many things, including the amount of their income, their marital status and if they owe certain taxes.
6. No exemption on dependent’s return. If you can claim a person as a dependent, that person can’t claim a personal exemption on his or her own tax return. This is true even if you don’t actually claim that person as a dependent on your tax return. The rule applies because you have the right to claim that person.
7. Exemption phase-out. The $3,900 per exemption is subject to income limits. This rule may reduce or eliminate the amount depending on your income. Please call us if you need additional information about the exemption phase-out.
Questions about dependents and exemptions? Give us a call. We’re here to help you!
About Wendroff & Associates, CPA
Located in Arlington, Virginia Wendroff & Associates, LLC is a full service accounting firm, specializing in Tax Strategy, CFO Consulting, QuickBooks Training and Outsourced Accounting. The firm prides itself on its technological advantage and innovative company culture to provide better service to its clients and partners to help them grow their business or organization and reach their professional goals. Wendroff & Associates, CPA provides smart financial solutions and thinks of its clients throughout the year, not just at tax time. For more information on Wendroff & Associates, CPA visit www.wendroffcpa.com.
Wendroff & Associates Media Contact:
Brian Wendroff
Managing Partner
bjwendroff@wendroffcpa.com
703-574-4892
