Can I claim my girlfriend as a dependent?

Hi!  Thanks for writing. It is quite possible that you may be able to claim your girlfriend as a dependent. The IRS has several requirements for you to be able to do this since she is not related to you under the IRS definition of “relative.” 

If your girlfriend:

• Is not claimed as the dependent of someone else
• Lived with you all year
• Earned less than $4000 of income herself that year
• AND you provided more than half her support

then she can be claimed as your dependent.  Keep in mind that ALL the tests listed above must be met, not just some of them.  What does “support” mean? That’s basic living expenses like food, rent, medical expenses, insurance, utilities, clothing, etc. You would need to have paid for more than half of the total that your girlfriend would have spent in that tax year.

If you’ve already filed your 2015 taxes, you can do an amended return.  It’s not hard to do an amended return, called a 1040X.  Please see the link provided.

I hope this helps!  And I hope it works out to be able to claim her and save on your taxes. Best wishes to both of you!