Answer: Carolyn – IRS does not withhold taxpayers refund because their depend owes either a tax debt or non-tax debt. Whether you can claim someone as a dependent depends on several tests that must be met. You can claim a dependent if they meet the requirements to be a Qualifying Child or Qualifying Relative.

What happens to my taxes if someone claims me as a dependent?

Even if you are claimed as a dependent on another person’s tax return, you will generally have to file your own tax return if your total income is more than your standard deduction (the greater of $12,200 or your earned income plus $350 for single dependents in 2019).

What happens if someone claims you as a dependent on their tax return?

If you aren’t a dependent and someone else is improperly claiming you as one on their tax return, that person could get in financial trouble with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The same goes for someone incorrectly claiming one of your dependents on their tax return.

How do you find out if someone has claimed you as a dependent?

If this is the case, you’ll likely find out when you file your income tax return. You’ll receive an error stating your or your dependent has been claimed on either their own tax return or someone else’s if you e-file your return. If you paper file, you’ll get a mailed notice from the IRS.

Can a spouse be claimed as a dependent?

In order to claim dependents, you (and your spouse, if filing jointly), can’t be eligible to be claimed as a dependent by someone else. Dependents must be: U.S. citizens

What’s the standard deduction for someone claiming to be a dependent?

If someone can claim you as a dependent, the IRS won’t allow you to take a standard deduction on your tax return. The standard deduction is $5,800 as of the time of publication and increases intermittently to keep up with inflation.