Claiming a parent-in-law
$500 credit
Can I Claim My In-Laws as Dependents?
Short answer: Yes: a father-in-law or mother-in-law counts as a relative, and the relationship survives even after divorce or a spouse's death.
A qualifying relative must have gross income under the yearly limit (about $5,200), get more than half their support from you, and not be anyone else's qualifying child; they're worth the $500 credit for other dependents.
Records to keep: Keep receipts, statements (1098, 1098-T, 1099, W-2G), and a note of what each cost was for. Compare itemizing to the 2026 standard deduction before you claim.
Claiming a parent-in-law
$500 credit
Individuals / Personal Taxes
Yes: a father-in-law or mother-in-law counts as a relative, and the relationship survives even after divorce or a spouse's death.
Business justification
Yes: a father-in-law or mother-in-law counts as a relative, and the relationship survives even after divorce or a spouse's death. A qualifying relative must have gross income under the yearly limit (about $5,200), get more than half their support from you, and not be anyone else's qualifying child; they're worth the $500 credit for other dependents.
Category
- Personal Tax Deductions