Client not claiming 19yr dependent for 2020 to get her stimulus

[LilFos]

I have a client in which I can file their 19yr old child with little income and have this child claim herself and that triggers the $1800 stimulus rebate credit.

Does not seem right but sure does look like it would work. 

Just posting for some input and comments.

Thanks

[jeffmcpa2010]

Remember that the Question on the information worksheet is worded

"Can the taxpayer be claimed as a dependent of another person(such as parent).

I think "Can they," is really the controlling question. 

[TAXOH]

If they CAN be claimed as a dependent they don't qualify even if they aren't actually claimed.

[IRonMaN]

"Does not seem right but sure does look like it would work"

Fabricating a charitable contribution equal to your total income would work to reduce your tax liability, but are you going to do that?  Just because something "will work" doesn't mean you can do it.  Sometimes you just have to sit down and think about the basics, like support, before you prepare a return.

[LilFos · Accepted solution]

Thanks for quick reply and yes I agree with the "Can They" criteria and just wanted to get additional feed back. I told client "Nice Try" but I would not want them to come back to me when the IRS issued a letter to them 2 years from now 🙂

Again thanks