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    chatur's Avatar
    chatur Posts: 11, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Feb 23, 2014, 01:23 PM
    Qualifying Relative for Tax purposes
    Dear Atlantataxexpert,

    Me and my wife file jointly for our taxes every year. Since last year me and my wife have been sponsoring my sister-in-law, (Indian citizen who came to US on F1 visa). We pay her fees and living expenses but she lives in a different city.

    Can we claim her as a dependent and deduct the fees and living expenses of my sis in law. Please let me know.

    Regards,
    Chatur
    AtlantaTaxExpert's Avatar
    AtlantaTaxExpert Posts: 21,836, Reputation: 846
    Senior Tax Expert
    		  
    #2

    Feb 23, 2014, 01:54 PM
    No, you cannot claim her as a dependent, because she is a non-resident alien, and you must be a resident, U.S. citizen or an immediate family member to be claimed as a dependent.
    chatur's Avatar
    chatur Posts: 11, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #3

    Feb 23, 2014, 06:38 PM
    Thanks Atlantataxexpert,

    I assumed that resident was defined as for tax purposes but from your answer I assume its based on immigration "resident alien" status.
    AtlantaTaxExpert's Avatar
    AtlantaTaxExpert Posts: 21,836, Reputation: 846
    Senior Tax Expert
    		  
    #4

    Feb 23, 2014, 07:44 PM
    If she has been in the United States for over five years, she is considered to be a resident alien irrespective of her visa. In that case, you CAN claim her as a dependent because she is your sibling.
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