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If anyone is dependent on you for more than half their total living expenses (any) for more than 6 mo of the year you can claim them as a dependent. Even if they live somewhere else in the US. The living with you part (and being a relative) is for other credits, such as EIC. If you declare them as a dependent, then they can't declare themselves, but they can certainly file a tax form if they have any taxable income, such as a pension or possibly social security. They should file in case they have money coming back. Any money they give to you to help out with expenses is NOT considered income that would be taxable. That is just part of living expenses, Unless you are making a profit off the person. Then the profit part of the payment would be taxable. If you are getting into these kind of questions, it is definitely best to have a reputable (not H&R Block type) person (CPA) have your taxes done. And bring all paperwork, support evidence and your questions. But it is expensive. Another way is to contact the IRS directly for definitive answers (they do have people to do this) or if you make a total of $51K or less, you can have your taxes done for free at a VITA site with volunteers trained by the IRS. I volunteer right now in a low income area.
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As I understood it when Mom was under our roof:

IF your elder is in your home for more than 6 months of that year,
==and you pay more than [[50%?] of his living expenses [part of home, utilities, supplies, etc. can include medical costs],
==and costs go over the magic amount in a year,
==AND, he is your "dependent" [might need legal document to support this?],
Then, there are deductions from your taxes, and your Elder does NOT file IRS taxes [you can't both file IRS taxes, if he is your Dependent]..
Only IF you provide more than half his expenses, =and= he is classed as your "dependent" under IRS rules, can your out-of-pocket for his expenses, be deductions from your itemized taxes;
--other rules may apply.

IF he lives with you less than 6 months of that year,
and pays over half of his own expenses, [he can pay rent to you and other expenses to you, but that becomes YOUR income],
== then he files his own taxes.
==You file yours, and whatever he contributes via rent and/or living expenses he pays to you, is income to your pocket, which you pay taxes on.

IF he is in a facility,
that facility will harvest his SSI, his Medicare, whatever other income and insurance there is, and/or perhaps Medicaid, to pay for his care under their roof. --not your dependent, no deduction for you to take.
OTH,
If elder is in facility, AND You are paying over half his costs there, reverts to him being a dependent of yours....getting you a deduction for supporting him as a dependent.
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Me again I wasn't clear. It was deductible from his taxes because he was paying for it. If you are the primary caregiver and he doesn't have an income I don't see why it wouldn't be deductible for you if you are paying for it. Again check with a good CPA.
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I had a sitter service for my Dad for 2 yrs and paid over 30K a year and yes it was deductible. I don't know if it depends on where u live. I google everything n I also depended on my Dad's CPA to provide me with tax deductions I could use. Good luck!
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Does residence at a Skilled Nursing Facility qualify for Income tax deduction?
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What about an Adult family home with 24 hour medical care givers?
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No. Unless you have a "medical necessity" reason for your loved one being cared for in the home, this is one area where one might consider long term care insurance. The other option is to declare the senior indigent (get rid of all assets) and let Medicaid pick up the costs. Not what you wanted to hear, but as we all age someone has to pick up the tab. There are no free lunches.
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You would have to be more specific about what the actual costs are. Home health aide? Nurse? Medical supplies? If you let us know specific expenses we can help you I think.
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