Who is considered a dependent for tax purposes?

A dependent for tax purposes is defined as an individual who relies on another taxpayer for financial support. To be claimed as a dependent, the person must meet specific criteria set forth by the IRS, including the relationship to the taxpayer, the residency requirement, and the level of support provided.

The correct answer focuses on the essential aspect of dependency, which is the provision of support. This means that the individual is not fully self-sufficient and instead receives financial backing from another person, such as a parent or guardian. The IRS distinguishes between qualifying children and qualifying relatives, but in both cases, the concept of support is a critical factor.

In contrast, a person living independently does not necessarily qualify as a dependent since they can be self-supporting. Similarly, a person claiming their own exempt status or choosing to file their own tax return suggests a level of independence from the taxpayer in question, which would generally disqualify them as a dependent. Thus, support is a key factor that defines dependency under tax law, making the answer correct in this context.