Is there a tax issue?

If I were you, I would continue to file a joint return, claim both of us and make sure sonny boy does not try to claim him as a dependent.

DLong, I would hire a tax accountant to do your taxes, as when it comes to caregiving, expenses, etc. it can become quite a maze.

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I agree. You need a CPA. Your child would have to prove 50% of his/her Dad's support to claim him. I hope you wrote checks to prove what u gave child.

Plus a good accountant can figure out medical and care deductions that you might not have considered on your own.

If you have a good relationship with your children and you pay your dads expenses and your children are agreeable to your claiming your dad and not them, then do it. I think more on the positive side then the negative. Would check IRS requirements though 😊

As long as you're paying for his care, you can report that in your filing and claim him as a dependent

To my knowledge, you can NEVER claim a spouse as a dependent.

You really need to see a tax professional about this and make sure that you and your child are on the same page. You need to make sure that the payments for your husbands care are being made properly (i.e., there is a caregiver contract in place, or that you are paying an agency directly) so that those expenses are deductible.

Are you paying the child for the care? You should have a care agreement that states what will be provided and what you are paying for. Child should separate his expenses, even a separate account, keep all receipts just in case Medicaid should ever become involved. Document everything! See an elder law attorney for help with setting everything up correctly.

I would have a CPA do the taxes. If they can be figured two or three different ways (legally) that will be done and you'll get the best filing. This will also keep you out of trouble and if you get audited you'll have someone on your side. It's worth the money.
Warmly,
Carol

I would let a good CPA prepare the tax return.

It really hinges on the question "where did the dependent live at the end of the filing year?" This may be easy for someone who knows tax laws. However, to be sure NOT to be audited, have a very good certified public accountant prepare the fed and state returns. I DO NOT recommend H & R Block!