There are two different forms relating to injured/innocent spouses, Form 8379, Injured Spouse Allocation and Form 8857 Request for Innocent Spouse Relief. See Publication 971 for details. The TaxAct program does not support Form 8857, Request for Innocent Spouse Relief. To complete Form 8379, Injured Spouse Allocation, follow the steps below. Online Dashboard From within […]
IRS Form 8862, Information To Claim Certain Refundable Credits After Disallowance, is used if your earned income credit (EIC) was reduced or disallowed in a previous year and you would like to claim the EIC on your current return. If you were previously disallowed from taking the EIC, claiming the credit this year will result […]
To enter a description and an amount for Line 8 of Schedule 1 (Form 1040) to reduce the taxable wage amount from Form 1040, U.S. Individual Income Tax Return Line 1, if that is appropriate in your situation, go to our Form 1040 – Other Income FAQ. For details about tax treaties and exemptions for […]
If you did not electronically file 8379 Injured Spouse Allocation when you filed your original tax return, you need to send the form to the Internal Revenue Service Center for the area where you live. Be sure to attach a copy of all Forms W-2, W-2G, or 1099, showing federal income tax withholding, to Form […]
To complete Form 8332, Release/Revocation of Release of Claim to Exemption for Child by Custodial Parent, (usually only done by the custodial parent), in the TaxAct program, follow the steps below. Online Dashboard From within your TaxAct return, click Taxes & Miscellaneous. On smaller devices, click the menu at the top left corner of your […]
If your filing status is Married Filing Separate (MFS), you will need to indicate whether you lived with your spouse during the year. Online Dashboards From within your TaxAct return, click About. On smaller devices, click the menu at the top left corner of your screen, then make your selection. Beside your name, click Edit. […]
IRS Publication 555 explains how income and deductions must be reported when individuals live in a community property state. If spouses or registered domestic partners (RDPs) file separate federal returns, they may be required to report: One-half of their combined community income and deductions, and All of their own separate income and deductions. Community property […]
If a dependent was not claimed on the federal return, but should be shown on the AZ return, you will start by adding the person in the Dependents section of the federal return, however, you will need to mark them as Not a dependent this year when selecting the Dependent Type. See the Dependents – Entering Information […]
Whether your child was born alive depends on state or local law. There must be proof of a live birth shown by an official document, such as a birth certificate. If the child died before they were issued a social security number (SSN), enter “DIED” in the Social Security Number field (see Dependents – Entering Information […]
If you are an eligible educator, you can deduct up to $300 ($600 if married filing joint and both spouses are educators, but not more than $300 each) of any unreimbursed expenses that you paid or incurred for books, supplies, computer equipment (including related software and services), other equipment, and supplementary materials that you use […]
If there was a name entered on the prior year return that was allowed the taxpayer to qualify for the Head of Household filing status, this information will be imported into the current year’s return. If it is no longer needed/accurate, there are two ways to update the information: Change the Filing Status selection. Once […]
To select or change your filing status in the TaxAct program, follow the steps below. Online Dashboard From within your TaxAct return, click About. On smaller devices, click the menu at the top left corner of your screen, then make your selection. Click the Edit beside your name. Continue with the interview until you reach […]
To change your filing status from “Married Filing Joint” to “Head of Household” after importing, you will need to remove any spousal information from your return. To remove the spouse details, follow the steps below. Online Dashboard From within your TaxAct return, click About. On smaller devices, click the menu at the top left corner […]
You can locate the question regarding whether you can be claimed on someone else’s tax return using the steps below. Online Dashboard From within your TaxAct return, click About. On smaller devices, click the menu at the top left corner of your screen, then make your selection. Click the Edit beside your name. As you […]
Personal exemption deductions for yourself, your spouse, or your dependents were eliminated as of tax year 2018. Refer to the links below for more information about dependents: Publication 501 Dependents, Standard Deduction, and Filing Information Whom May I Claim as a Dependent? IRS Interactive Tax Assistant Dependents – Entering Information in Program Note that any […]
If your dependent received an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN), you will need to enter this PIN on your tax return. To enter your dependent’s IP PIN, follow the steps below. Online Dashboards From within your TaxAct return, click Taxes & Miscellaneous. On smaller devices, click the menu at the top left corner of your […]
There are many variables to consider when determining if an individual qualifies as a dependent for tax purposes. As each situation can be different, TaxAct does not make the determination of which dependents qualify; this must be determined by the user. TaxAct calculations are based on the user entering eligible dependents into the program. If […]
Your filing status and eligibility for certain credits is determined, in part, by whether you have a qualifying dependent. The software will automatically calculate any eligible credits as you enter your information. Tips are provided during the interview process, but you can also use the guidelines below to help determine if someone qualifies as your […]
If you are claimed as a dependent on another person’s tax return, you must indicate this when filing your own return. Selecting this checkbox: Limits your standard deduction amount. Prevents you from claiming dependents of your own. May make you ineligible for certain tax credits and deductions (though you may still qualify for others depending […]
If you are claimed as a dependent on another person’s tax return, you must indicate this when filing your own return. For detailed steps on making this selection, see the Dependent of Another Taxpayer Filing Their Own Return FAQ.
For information on how to enter or edit a dependent in the TaxAct program, go to the Dependents – Entering Information in Program FAQ. Note: A child born on any date in a given year – even on December 31 – is considered a dependent for the entire year.
For information on how to enter or edit a dependent in the TaxAct program, go to the Dependents – Entering Information in Program FAQ. For information on how to review your calculated Child Tax Credit (CTC) or Other Dependent Credit (ODC), go to the Dependents – Entering and Reviewing FAQ.
To enter or edit a dependent in the TaxAct program, follow the steps below. Online Dashboards From within your TaxAct return, click About. On smaller devices, click the menu at the top left corner of your screen, then make your selection. Select Add Dependent. If a dependent was updated from the prior year, you can […]
When you enter the dependent information, it flows to Form 1040. The dependent’s data (social security number, year of birth, relationship, number of months lived with you, etc.) is also used to calculate credits such as the Child Tax Credit (CTC) or Other Dependent Credit (ODC). For information on how to enter or edit a […]
For information on how to enter or edit a dependent in the TaxAct program, go to the Dependents – Entering Information in Program FAQ. When entering your dependent, select the Dependent Citizenship type by selecting it in the drop-down Dependent Citizenship. Options include: None selected U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or U.S. resident alien Resident of […]
For information on how to enter or edit a dependent in the TaxAct program, go to the Dependents – Entering Information in Program FAQ. When entering your dependent, select the type of dependent by selecting it in the drop-down Relationship to you. Options include: None selected Son Daughter Stepchild Grandchild Foster child Parent Grandparent Brother […]
An independent contractor or self-employed individual should report income on Schedule C (Form 1040). You may need to file other schedules and forms, including Schedule SE (Form 1040) on income from a trade or business. You must report all income, even if you did not receive a Form 1099-NEC. See IRS Instructions for Schedule C […]
Filing Taxes for Children and Dependents A child’s earned income (such as from a W-2) should not be reported on a parent or guardian’s tax return. Does Your Dependent Need to File a Return? Whether a child or dependent is required to file depends on: The amount of earned and/or unearned income Marital status Age (65 or older) Whether they are blind Even if not […]
Income and Filing Status As a dependent, you have a filing requirement if you had income (earned or unearned) above the threshold amount for your filing status. For details on each threshold, see Publication 501. Unearned income includes taxable interest, ordinary dividends, and capital gain distributions. It also includes unemployment compensation, taxable social security benefits, […]
Due to the complexity involved, the TaxAct program does not offer an automated way to split a joint tax return into two separate returns for Married Filing Separately status. However, the Joint vs. Separate Analysis report can provide a reasonably accurate estimate of potential tax savings between filing jointly and separately. To view actual results, you will need to manually create a […]
Are you an employee or independent contractor? The answer is important for tax purposes because it shapes how you report your income. When you are an employee, your employer must withhold income tax and your portion of Social Security and Medicare taxes (unless exempt). You’ll receive a Form W-2 Wage and Tax Statement that shows […]
The definition of “qualifying education expense” differs depending on the educational benefit being claimed on your return. Room and board are NOT considered a qualifying education expense in the following situations: If you are claiming the American Opportunity Tax Credit or Lifetime Learning Credit. For purposes of determining how much of your scholarship and fellowship income is tax-free. […]
Per IRS Publication 501 Dependents, Standard Deduction, and Filing Information, page 10: Dependents The term “dependent” means: A qualifying child, or A qualifying relative. Page 11: Tests to be a Qualifying Relative The person can’t be your qualifying child or the qualifying child of any other taxpayer. The person either (a) must be related to you in […]
You may claim only the following as a dependent: A person who qualifies as your dependent on your federal return (see instructions regarding an exception). A person who is age 65 or over (related to you or not) who does not qualify as your dependent on your federal return, but for whom one of the […]
While there does not appear to be any reference on Form 1040 U.S. Individual Income Tax Return nor in the IRS instructions requiring a Social Security Number (SSN) be entered for the qualifying child when a return’s filing status is Head of Household (HoH), the IRS does have a rejection code that will reject any […]
A dependent is considered permanently and totally disabled if both of the following apply: They cannot engage in any substantial gainful activity because of a physical or mental condition, and A doctor determines the condition has lasted or can be expected to last continuously for at least a year or can lead to death.
IRS Publication 555 Community Property outlines the requirements for filing with a status of Married Filing Separate when you are domiciled in a community property state. TaxAct supports the completion of these returns so they can be electronically filed. There are two sections in the publication, “Community Property Laws Disregarded” starting on page 8 and […]
Per IRS Publication 17 Your Federal Income Tax For Individuals, page 28: Qualifying Child Five tests must be met for a child to be your qualifying child. The five tests are: Relationship, Age, Residency, Support, and Joint return. CAUTION! If a child meets the five tests to be the qualifying child of more than one […]
A person who is your qualifying relative only because he or she lived with you all year as a member of your household is not a qualifying person for the Head of Household filing status even if he or she is your dependent. Per IRS Publication 501 Dependents, Standard Deduction, and Filing Information, page 10: […]
If you are claimed as a dependent on another return, you cannot use the Optional State and Certain Local Sales Tax Tables for calculating an itemized deduction for General Sales Taxes on Line 5 of Schedule A (Form 1040) Itemized Deductions. You would be eligible to claim the actual state and local general sales tax […]
There are many things to consider when determining if you have provided more than half of a person’s support during the year, and if they are a qualifying relative. Below is a link and information from IRS Publication 17 to help you make this determination. Per IRS Publication 17 Your Federal Income Tax (For Individuals), […]
Per IRS Publication 17 Your Federal Income Tax, page 29: Residency Test To meet this test, your child must have lived with you for more than half the year. There are exceptions for temporary absences, children who were born or died during the year, kidnapped children, and children of divorced or separated parents. Temporary absences. […]
Per IRS Publication 929 Tax Rules for Children and Dependents, page 9: Part 2. Tax on Unearned Income of Certain Children The two rules that follow may affect the tax on the unearned income of certain children. If the child’s interest and dividend income (including capital gain distributions) total less than $11,000, the child’s parent […]
Whether you can claim your child as a dependent, if your ex-spouse did not, is based on who the custodial parent is and whose qualifying child the child is determined to be for that year according to the IRS rules. The following information will help determine who can: take the child tax credit, use the […]
While an adopted child is considered to be your child for tax purposes, you should only enter the number of months the child actually lived with you in the first year of adoption for purposes of calculating credits, etc. Although the child may not qualify to be your “qualifying child” in the first year of […]
Per IRS Publication 17 Your Federal Income Tax (For Individuals), page 31: Support Test (To Be a Qualifying Child) To meet this test, the child can’t have provided more than half of his or her own support for the year. This test is different from the support test to be a qualifying relative, which is […]
Under the tax law, one spouse is not considered a dependent of the other. If you’re divorced or legally separated during the year, your former spouse cannot be your qualifying relative even if he or she is a member of your household for the whole year.
Per IRS Publication 17, Your Federal Income Tax For Individuals, page 23: Considered married. You are considered married for the whole year if, on the last day of your tax year, you and your spouse meet any one of the following tests. You are married and living together. You are living together in a common […]
Per the Oregon Department of Revenue Frequently asked questions webpage: We are filing an Injured Spouse Claim and Allocation form, federal Form 8379, with our joint federal return. What should we do for our Oregon return? If you want your Oregon refund apportioned between spouses, you need to request it in writing. When your return […]
Per the IA Net Income Expanded Instructions webpage: Qualifications for Exemption from Tax If you qualify for the low income exemption as explained below, enter the words “low income exemption” in the area to the left of your net income figure on line 26. Skip lines 27-54, then enter zero on line 55 and complete […]
The Internal Revenue Procedure 2005-11 sets forth the standards that are used to determine whether student-employees are eligible for the student FICA exemption. This is not reported on the individual tax return, but is reflected on Form W-2 Wage and Tax Statement and on the school’s employment tax returns filed with the IRS. The employer […]
Per IRS Publication 501 Dependents, Standard Deduction, and Filing Information, page 11: Tests To Be a Qualifying Relative The person can’t be your qualifying child or the qualifying child of any other taxpayer. The person either (a) must be related to you in one of the ways listed under Relatives who don’t have to live […]
If you list a child in the process of being adopted as a dependent on your tax return, you need to provide a valid Adoption Taxpayer Identification Number (ATIN) in order to file. If you have not received the ATIN for your child yet, there are two options: File for an extension with Form 4868 Application […]
Per IRS Frequently Asked Questions Dependents webpage: Question: My child was stillborn. May I claim my child as a dependent on my tax return? Answer: In order to claim a newborn child as a dependent, state or local law must treat the child as having been born alive, and there must be proof of a […]
Per IRS Form 8924, page 1: Who Must File An eligible entity who subsequently transfers ownership or possession (by sale, exchange, or lease) of a qualifying mineral or geothermal interest must file Form 8924 for each transfer of an interest acquired, directly or indirectly, in: A conservation sale in which the previous transferor excluded 25% […]
IF the noncustodial parent qualifies, they can claim: claim the child as a dependent the child tax credit for the child (up to $2,000) ONLY the custodial parent can claim: head of household filing status due to that child earned income credit due to that child the credit for child and dependent care expenses the […]
If your dependent has two last names or a hyphenated last name, both last names need to be entered in the last name data entry field as it appears on their social security card. If the social security card has a middle initial/name on it, that will need to be entered after the first name […]
Below you will find information to help you determine if you are eligible to file your tax return with the filing status of Head of Household. If necessary, review IRS Publication 17 Your Federal Income Tax (For Individuals) for additional details before making a final determination. You can also go to the IRS Interactive Tax […]
Per IRS Publication 505 Tax Withholding and Estimated Tax, page 7: Exemption From Withholding If you claim exemption from withholding, your employer won’t withhold federal income tax from your wages. The exemption applies only to income tax, not to social security or Medicare tax. You can claim exemption from withholding for 2022 only if both […]
If your dependent receives a Form W-2, you cannot report it on your tax return. If your dependent is required to file taxes, they’ll need to report the Form W-2 on their own tax return. If you don’t know if your dependent needs to file a tax return, consult the IRS’s Do I Need to File a […]
