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Shopping & Buying
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  - 2012 Tax Law Changes: We've Got You Covered!
    Don't worry about the 2012 tax law changes- we've got you covered! Despite what you may have heard, you are probably not affected by the 2012 American Taxpayer Relief Act.
  - TurboTax Orders, Charges, and Statements
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- Product Charges & Fees
  - TurboTax Orders, Charges, and Statements
    Here are some of our users' common questions about orders, charges, and statements, including TurboTax Advantage.
  - Deciphering Your Credit or Debit Card Statement
    Identify charges appearing on your credit card, debit card, or bank statement.
  - How do I find my TurboTax fees from previous years?
    If you purchased your TurboTax directly from Intuit, get a copy of your order which lists the fees you paid.
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- Product Refunds & Returns
  - TurboTax Satisfaction Guarantee
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  - Getting Your State E-Filing Rebate When You Use Basic for Desktop
    You are eligible for a rebate of your state e-filing fee if you use the TurboTax Basic CD/Download software to e-file a return for a state that is a member of the Free File Alliance (FFA).
  - Can I Switch Back to a Lower-Priced TurboTax?
    We want you to use the version of TurboTax that best fits your tax situation, but the choice to upgrade – or not – is yours
- TurboTax Advantage
  - What is TurboTax Advantage (Automatic Renewal) and How Do I Enroll?
    Learn all about TurboTax Advantage (formerly known as Automatic Renewal).
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  - How to Update Your TurboTax Advantage Account & Credit Card Info
    Here's how to update your auto renewal payment info, contact info, and/or product choices.
  - Cancelling or refunding TurboTax Advantage enrollment
    Cancel your TurboTax Advantage enrollment and TurboTax product order.
- My Account
  - How do I update the info in "My Account", such as my e-mail or billing address?
    To update your account info, click My Account in the upper right corner of any page on turbotax.com.
  - How to Update Your TurboTax Advantage (Automatic Renewal) Account & Credit Card Info
    Here's how to update your auto renewal payment info, contact info, and/or product choices.
  - Forgot Your TurboTax User ID or Password?
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- Compare Products
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  - Personal Tax Products and Services
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  - Find the best TurboTax version for you
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- Buying
  - TurboTax System Requirements
    For easy tax preparation, make sure your computer meets these standards before you buy TurboTax.
  - Entering Your Service Code in TurboTax Online
    Here's how to redeem your service code in TurboTax.
  - Download Your TurboTax Software Purchase
    After you've purchased a downloadable product from turbotax.com, you can re-download it as often as you like for up to 3 years after purchase.
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  - Do I have to buy a new TurboTax program every year?
    Every year, tax laws and forms change, and in turn, we have to completely revise TurboTax to comply with the current federal and state requirements.
Download & Install
- Top Answers
  - Windows Installer and .NET Errors
    Windows Installer, .NET errors, and other issues that can occur when installing or running TurboTax for Windows software
  - TurboTax System Requirements
    Minimum requirements for TurboTax software for Windows and Mac, plus TurboTax Online
  - Download Your TurboTax Software Purchase
    After you've purchased a downloadable product from turbotax.com, you can download it again for up to 3 years after purchase
  - Download TurboTax State for Windows
    How to download through your TurboTax software or from our Online store
  - How to Update TurboTax
    Our updates provide the latest available tax forms, bug fixes, and enhancements for your TurboTax software
- Downloading
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    After you've purchased a downloadable product from turbotax.com, you can download it again for up to 3 years after purchase
  - Download TurboTax State for Windows
    How to download through your TurboTax for Windows software or from our Online store
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    How to download through your TurboTax for Mac software or from our Online store
  - TurboTax Download FAQs
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  - Find Your Download (Windows)
    What to do if you can't find the TurboTax product you just downloaded.
- Installing
  - TurboTax System Requirements
    Minimum requirements for TurboTax software for Windows and Mac, plus TurboTax Online
  - Windows Installer and .NET Errors
    Windows Installer, .NET errors, and other issues that can occur when installing or running TurboTax for Windows software
  - Troubleshoot Installing TurboTax for Windows
    Use this troubleshooting guide if you're having problems installing TurboTax for Windows
  - Installing TurboTax for Windows
    How to install your TurboTax for Windows CD or downloadable software
  - Security Software and TurboTax
    Find out what to do if your firewall or virus-protection software conflicts with TurboTax
- Unlocking & Activating
  - Entering Your Service Code in TurboTax Online
    Here's how to redeem your service code in TurboTax.
  - Find the Access Code for Your TurboTax CD
    To unlock a promotional, mailed TurboTax CD, you'll need your 10-digit Access Code
- Updating TurboTax
  - Why do I Need to Update?
    Find out why TurboTax software prompts you for regular updates
  - How to Update TurboTax
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  - Manual Updates for TurboTax
    If you can't update through TurboTax, download and install a manual update instead
  - Error 42002: Could not connect to the update site
    How to resolve this error when attempting to update
  - How to Update TurboTax State
    Different ways to download the latest state software tax forms, bug fixes, and enhancements
  - Do I have to Buy a New TurboTax Program Annually?
    The answer may surprise you
- Reinstalling
  - Reinstall TurboTax for Windows
    How to reinstall your TurboTax software on a Windows computer
  - Reinstall TurboTax for Mac
    How to reinstall your TurboTax software on a Mac
  - Uninstall TurboTax for Windows
    How to uninstall (or remove) your TurboTax software from a Windows computer
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    How to uninstall (remove) your TurboTax software from a Mac
Getting Started
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  - Need More Time? E-file an Extension
    5 minutes now gives you another 6 months to file. And it's free!
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    Ways to retrieve your lost or forgotten TurboTax Online username or password
  - Why Can't I Find My TurboTax Online Return?
    5 reasons why this can happen and what your next steps are
  - Find Your Tax File in Windows
    How to find a tax return file created in TurboTax software for Windows
  - Open Your Tax Return
    How to open your tax return in TurboTax software
  - Transfer Last Year's Tax File
    Transferring your data from last year's tax return file makes tax preparation even easier
- Signing In
  - Forgot your TurboTax login?
    Ways to retrieve your lost or forgotten TurboTax Online username or password
  - TurboTax Online 2011 is No Longer Available
    TurboTax Online shuts down every October in preparation for next year
  - Why Can't I Find My TurboTax Online Return?
    5 reasons why this can happen and what your next steps are
  - TurboTax Online Return Fails to Open
    Troubleshooting tips for timeouts when opening your TurboTax Online return
  - Error: You Haven't Used TurboTax in the Last 20 Minutes
    How to resolve this error after signing in to TurboTax Online
  - Start Over in TurboTax Online
    Clear your TurboTax Online return so you can start from scratch
- Starting TurboTax
  - Open Your Tax Return
    How to open your tax return in TurboTax software
  - Retrieve a Tax File from a Portable Device
    Getting your tax file from a flash drive or other portable device onto your computer
  - Error 510 or 544
    Resolve errors 510 or 544 when opening your tax return
  - Error 539
    Resolve error 539 when opening or saving your tax return
- Transferring My Info
  - Transfer Last Year's Tax File
    Transferring your data from last year's tax return file makes tax preparation even easier
  - Transfer to TurboTax Software for Windows
    Save time and effort by transferring last year's return to TurboTax software for Windows
  - Transfer to TurboTax Online
    Save time and effort by transferring last year's return to TurboTax Online
  - Troubleshoot Transferring
    If you're having problems transferring your prior-year tax return to TurboTax
  - Review, Change, or Delete Transferred Information
    After transferring, you should verify and if necessary, update or remove data
  - Move Your Tax Return to Another Computer
    How to transfer your tax return to a different computer
- Available Forms
  - IRS Form Availability for Personal Returns
    Estimated availability dates for IRS individual forms and schedules
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    Estimated availability dates for IRS business forms and schedules
  - State Form Availability for Business Returns
    Estimated availability dates for business state forms and schedules
- Finding My Return
  - Access your Prior-Year Return
    Get a copy of the return you filed using TurboTax
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  - Find Your Tax File in Windows
    How to find a tax return file created in TurboTax software for Windows
  - Find Your Tax File in Mac
    How to find a tax return file created in TurboTax software for Mac
  - TurboTax Online Return Fails to Open
    Troubleshooting tips for timeouts when opening your TurboTax Online return
  - TurboTax Online 2011 is No Longer Available
    TurboTax Online shuts down every October in preparation for next year
Preparing My Taxes
- Top Answers
  - Need More Time? E-file an Extension
    5 minutes now gives you another 6 months to file. And it's free!
  - Who is a Dependent?
    If you support relatives or someone who lives with you, they could count as your dependents.
  - I Received a 1099-MISC, Now What?
    TurboTax walks you through filing your return if you receive a 1099-MISC for work as a contractor.
  - Where to Enter Form 1098 and 1099 Data
    We'll show you where to enter information from Forms 1098 and 1099 in TurboTax.
  - What Are Qualified Education Expenses?
    See which education expenses count toward a tax credit or deduction.
  - Rental Property Income and Expenses
    Understand how to report your rental income and related expenses.
  - Importing From Your Employer or Broker
    Save time and energy by importing your W-2, 1099, and 1098 information.
- Personal Info
  - 2012 Tax Law Changes: We've Got You Covered!
    Don't worry about the 2012 tax law changes- we've got you covered! Despite what you may have heard, you are probably not affected by the 2012 American Taxpayer Relief Act.
  - Who is a Dependent?
    If you support relatives or someone who lives with you, they could count as your dependents.
  - Can I Claim This Person as a Dependent?
    View answers to frequently asked questions about claiming dependents.
  - What is My Filing Status?
    Learn which filing status gives you the lowest tax.
  - Ordering of Names on a Joint Return
    It's important to be consistent when listing names on a joint return.
  - Tax Returns: RDP, Civil Union or Same-Sex Marriage
    Get step-by-step directions on how to file your tax returns.
  - Same-Sex Partners and Community Property States
    See how certain community-property states affect your tax preparation.
- Wages & Income
  - 2012 Tax Law Changes: We've Got You Covered!
    Don't worry about the 2012 tax law changes- we've got you covered! Despite what you may have heard, you are probably not affected by the 2012 American Taxpayer Relief Act.
  - I Received a 1099-MISC, Now What?
    TurboTax walks your through filing your return if you receive a 1099-MISC for work as a contractor or freelancer.
  - Importing From Your Employer or Broker
    Save time and energy by importing your W-2, 1099, and 1098 information.
  - Entering Schedule K-1
    If you received one or more Schedule K-1s, we'll help you enter them.
  - Finding Your Investment Cost Basis
    To accurately report gains or losses on your investments, you'll need the cost basis.
  - What Are Qualified Education Expenses?
    See which education expenses count toward a tax credit or deduction.
  - Rental Property Income and Expenses
    Understand how to report your rental income and related expenses.
- Business Income & Expenses
  - I Received a 1099-MISC, Now What?
    TurboTax walks you through filing your return if you receive a 1099-MISC for work as a contractor.
  - Do I Have to Pay Self-Employment Tax?
    We calculate how much self-employment tax you'll need to pay.
  - Tax Deductions and Working from Home
    Learn how the home-office deduction works.
  - How to Calculate Estimated Taxes
    Let us determine if you need to pay estimated taxes.
- Deductions & Credits
  - 2012 Tax Law Changes: We've Got You Covered!
    Don't worry about the 2012 tax law changes- we've got you covered! Despite what you may have heard, you are probably not affected by the 2012 American Taxpayer Relief Act.
  - About the Earned Income Credit (EIC)
    What are the rules, and do you qualify?
  - What is the Child and Dependent Care Expense Credit?
    Find out about this credit applies to you.
  - What is the Child Tax Credit?
    TurboTax determines if your child qualifies for the child tax credit.
  - What Are Qualified Education Expenses?
    See which education expenses count toward a tax credit or deduction.
  - What Kind of Charitable Donations Can I Deduct?
    Give smartly if you want to take a deduction for charitable donations.
  - Medical Expenses I Can Deduct
    Understand the ins and outs of claiming deductions for medical expenses.
- Other Tax Situations
  - 2012 Tax Law Changes: We've Got You Covered!
    Don't worry about the 2012 tax law changes- we've got you covered! Despite what you may have heard, you are probably not affected by the 2012 American Taxpayer Relief Act.
  - Amend a Return
    We can help you amend a tax return you've filed to fix an error or to take an additional credit or deduction.
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    We explain why it's hard for some filers to avoid this tax
  - How to Calculate Estimated Taxes
    Let us determine if you need to pay estimated taxes.
  - Using TurboTax Easy Extension
    TurboTax makes it fast and simple to file an extension.
- Federal Review
  - 2012 Tax Law Changes: We've Got You Covered!
    Don't worry about the 2012 tax law changes- we've got you covered! Despite what you may have heard, you are probably not affected by the 2012 American Taxpayer Relief Act.
  - Why is My Tax Refund Different This Year?
    Here are some common reasons why your taxes could have changed.
  - What is the Alternative Minimum Tax?
    We explain why it's hard for some filers to avoid this tax.
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    TurboTax calculates whether any or some of your Social Security income will be taxed.
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    Unemployment is considered taxable income by the federal government, but state rules vary.
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    Find out what type of state residency applies to you and your family.
  - Where to enter Form 1098 and 1099 data
    We'll show you where to enter information from Forms 1098 and 1099 in TurboTax.
  - How Do I File More than Two State Returns?
    Learn what to do if you need to file more than three state returns.
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  - Where Do I Enter?
    See tips on where to enter your important tax information.
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    Let us determine if you need to pay estimated taxes.
Printing & Filing
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  - Need More Time? E-file an Extension
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    A list of the most commonly-encountered IRS rejection errors with links to their solutions.
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    Rejection code 0522 occurs when the first taxpayer's birthdate doesn't match IRS records
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    Find out where to send Form 4868
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    Rejection code 0522 occurs when the first taxpayer's birthdate doesn't match IRS records
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Can I claim a deduction for financially supporting a relative other than my child?

Updated: 1/25/2013

Article ID: IAS10621

Whether it's a parent, a friend or a relative you support, being able to claim someone as a dependent can save you money. If you're not sure you can claim your parent or another person as dependent, don't worry. We'll ask you all the right questions to figure that out for you.

Generally, you can claim a relative (or someone else) if they didn't have more than $3,800 in gross income (excluding nontaxable Social Security) and you provided more than half of their support. Your parent doesn't have to live with you. There are a few other specifics, but we'll be sure to ask you about those as we go along.

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