IRS Jacking Us Around

**Stormcrow** · May 1st, 2008

Well, we are part of the many who got back quite a bit less on our taxes then what we were expecting, like around 500 bucks actually. Got that letter too that said we'd be getting another letter explaining why. Instead of waiting, hopped on the phone and called up our friendly thieving government to inquire about this. The answer?
Apparently starting this year, you can't file for dependents that are not related to you by blood or in the case of marriage, a spouse. Since my folks are divorced yet still living together, my father took my mother off as a dependent since she doesn't work and he pays out for everything for her. Nope, even though they've done this for a few years now, this year the IRS is changing the rules around. Looks like all the people who got those letters claimed dependents that they now can't, I'm guessing.

**RAID** · May 1st, 2008

sorry to hear that... rules get changed around every year and it sucks that you have to keep up w/ them. married people definitely get a larger tax break than singles. that's a fact. sounds like you guys may have done your own taxes (assuming) but it maybe worth the extra money to start paying someone to in order to get the most back. they receive annual training on the new rules and tax breaks and may find loop holes in order to get more money.