claiming brother and sister

taxnoob · #1 (**permalink**) 02-21-2014, 10:54 PM

Parents passed away and I've been caring for both my little brother and sister since may2013. i read online that h&r block online tax program might not give me as much money as i should get because they arent my own children, is this true? should i use turbotax, doesl it matter who's kids they are?

neither of them work, one is 13 the other is 18 and a college student. in california your parents are responsible for your education until youre 24, in our circumstance, can i be considered responsible and therefore claim some school expenses?

Wnhough · #2 (**permalink**) 02-28-2014, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by taxnoob

#1;Parents passed away and I've been caring for both my little brother and sister since may2013.

#2; i read online that h&r block online tax program might not give me as much money as i should get because they arent my own children, is this true?

#3;should i use turbotax, doesl it matter who's kids they are?

#2;neither of them work, one is 13 the other is 18 and a college student. in california your parents are responsible for your education until youre 24, in our circumstance, can i be considered responsible and therefore claim some school expenses?

#1;no it depends. they can qualify as your qualifying children or relatives, dependeing on the situation; then you can claim them on your return . you can redcue your taxable income by $7,800 for 2013; $3900*2.

#3;yes they can qualify as your kids aslongas they must not provide over 50% of their own support/they must either under the age of 19 or full time student under tha age of 24.

#2;aslongas they are your dependents, then yes;