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    sjnowak's Avatar
    sjnowak Posts: 80, Reputation: 1
    Junior Member
    		  
    #1

    Nov 3, 2014, 05:10 PM
    Child / dependent tax credit
    We have a foreign exchange student that came in late August and will be with us until July. Wondering if we can claim a child and or dependent tax credit on our income taxes this year ?
    hkstroud's Avatar
    hkstroud Posts: 11,929, Reputation: 899
    Home Improvement & Construction Expert
    		  
    #2

    Nov 3, 2014, 07:28 PM
    I sure hope not. Why should my tax dollars go to a foreign exchange student.
    AtlantaTaxExpert's Avatar
    AtlantaTaxExpert Posts: 21,836, Reputation: 846
    Senior Tax Expert
    		  
    #3

    Nov 4, 2014, 12:50 AM
    The OP is asking if they can claim the exchange student as a dependent, which he really is in real life as they are supporing him by providing (presumably) free room and board.However, the answer is NO, because the exchange student is considered to be a non-resident alien. To be claimed as a dependent, he/she MUST be a U.S. resident or U.S. citizen.
    sjnowak's Avatar
    sjnowak Posts: 80, Reputation: 1
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    #4

    Nov 4, 2014, 02:38 PM
    OK, thanks for the info Atlanta tax expert
    joypulv's Avatar
    joypulv Posts: 21,591, Reputation: 2941
    current pert
    		  
    #5

    Nov 4, 2014, 03:19 PM
    WAIT - You can deduct some expenses (IF your child isn't an exchange student too).
    Publication 526 (2013), Charitable Contributions
    AtlantaTaxExpert's Avatar
    AtlantaTaxExpert Posts: 21,836, Reputation: 846
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    #6

    Nov 4, 2014, 06:38 PM
    Joy makes some good points, but to deduct those costs, you MUST itemize on Schedule A.
    sjnowak's Avatar
    sjnowak Posts: 80, Reputation: 1
    Junior Member
    		  
    #7

    Nov 5, 2014, 02:15 PM
    We usually do itimize
    AtlantaTaxExpert's Avatar
    AtlantaTaxExpert Posts: 21,836, Reputation: 846
    Senior Tax Expert
    		  
    #8

    Nov 5, 2014, 03:12 PM
    Then you shuld have no problem claiming at least SOME of the expenses as itemized charity deductions.
    sjnowak's Avatar
    sjnowak Posts: 80, Reputation: 1
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    #9

    Nov 5, 2014, 04:10 PM
    Thanks. Scratch my head at tax time. LOL Atlanta, didn't you answer my IRA questions to ?
    AtlantaTaxExpert's Avatar
    AtlantaTaxExpert Posts: 21,836, Reputation: 846
    Senior Tax Expert
    		  
    #10

    Nov 6, 2014, 01:48 AM
    Probably. I answer most of the tax questions on this forum, though ebaines sometimes beats me to it.
    joypulv's Avatar
    joypulv Posts: 21,591, Reputation: 2941
    current pert
    		  
    #11

    Nov 6, 2014, 04:26 AM
    **SIGH** I don't claim to know 1/10 of our tax expert, but what the heck, I just saved you some money, you're welcome. This isn't a contest.
    ebaines's Avatar
    ebaines Posts: 12,131, Reputation: 1307
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    #12

    Nov 6, 2014, 02:06 PM
    I guess I'll chime in - that's a good find Joypulv. I've never hosted an exchange student so it's good to know. To the OP - note that the you must have a written agreement to host the student with a qualified charitable organization, such as a church or school.
    sjnowak's Avatar
    sjnowak Posts: 80, Reputation: 1
    Junior Member
    		  
    #13

    Nov 6, 2014, 02:43 PM
    We got the student through YFU, I assume there is an agreement, my wife handles all that, often times I'm just along for the ride - LOL. Thanks all
    ebaines's Avatar
    ebaines Posts: 12,131, Reputation: 1307
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    #14

    Nov 6, 2014, 02:49 PM
    YFU = Youth for Understanding, correct? If so, it is indeed a 501(c)(3) charity, so as long as you have a written contract with them you can take those deductions.
    sjnowak's Avatar
    sjnowak Posts: 80, Reputation: 1
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    #15

    Nov 6, 2014, 02:56 PM
    I'll ask her if we have a contract, thanks. Yes, Youth for Understanding
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