Claiming dependents from Mexico on taxes?

[Detector]

The first time I heard of people here claiming dependents in Mexico on their taxes I just blew it off thinking thats so not right it can't be true. Now I've actually met two that does it, and one of them claims 14 dependents for a nice return.

No its not illegal its just stupid. Why would we possibly let people claim dependents that don't live in the US? I was told as long as they send a minimum of $20 a month they can claim them on their taxes.

Can someone please explain the logic behind that? I realize there is no need for logic when the government is involved but thats just out right stupid.

[K C Muffin]

I've always thought that the first criteria of claiming a dependant was that they live with you at least six months out of the year and that you can prove that you are more than half their support. So by that very criteria, they'd have to be lying in order to claim relatives that live in Mexico.

Actually, I'm kind of surprised they're filing taxes at all (if they are illegal immigrants) - except to get them back. I always thought you had to have a social security number for that. But, of course, they need SS# in order to get a job and that's done, so I don't know why I would be surprised.

[Detector]

I've always thought that the first criteria of claiming a dependant was that they live with you at least six months out of the year and that you can prove that you are more than half their support.

Exactly why I ignored it the first time I heard it but I talked with and saw proof of them being claimed on their taxes. All they need do is have a INS number and copies of the money orders sent to Mexico.

I called them a lier thats why I was shown proof.

[K C Muffin]

Oh, for crying out loud. All of which can be reproduced and changed to meet needs. What will they think of next?

[pootsy]

NOW THAT IS BULLSHIT!!!!!!! There are people in the US who....oh man nevermind I am writting our Congressmen, and whoever else, this is so not right. GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Detector]

This guy has a year yet before he's a citizen. They said this year they're not claiming their parents because his brother is but he did claim his uncles, aunts, nieces and nephews.

[Highwayman]

A dependent does not have to live with you if you meet the standards for support. A divorced parent paying child support (depending on amount paid and terms of the divorce) is an example. The six month test may not apply if claiming the dependent is stated in the decree. Sometimes it just comes down to who has the biggest stack of receipts.

A non-citizen without a SS# can get a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN). They would also need to get a TIN for the dependents also just like we need to get SS#’s for our dependents. I don’t know the procedure to get a TIN. Remember the IRS doesn’t care if you got your money illegally as long as you pay taxes on it. That’s how they got Al Capone.

[Highwayman]

Originally Posted by Detector

......but he did claim his uncles, aunts, nieces and nephews.

A citizen can do that too if he indeed supports those family members.

BTW, I didn’t say I was happy about this, just sharing what I get from my H&R Block source.

[Detector]

I just had no idea those dependents didn't need to be a US citizen or even live in the US. I'm sorry but thats just wrong.

[Bubba]

So, can I adopt one of the third world "Sally Struthers" kids you see on TV and send them $20 a month and claim that child as a dependent???