If my boyfriend’s mom moved in with me when she was very ill and I paid for housing, food, gas to take her to appointments etc. can I claim her or something on my taxes?

If your BF's mother did not live with you for the whole year, we can stop right there--you cannot claim her.

If she lived with you for the whole year in 2024, then we need to know if she had over $5050 of income not counting any Social Security---if she had over $5050 not counting SS, she cannot be claimed as a dependent.

If she lived with you ALL year and had less than $5050 of income not counting SS, you might be able to get the $500 credit for other dependents.

Qualifying relative

• They don't have to be related to you (despite the name).
• They aren't claimed as a dependent by someone else.
• They're a U.S. citizen, resident alien, national, or a Canadian or Mexican resident.
• They aren’t filing a joint return with their spouse.
• They lived with you the entire year (exceptions apply).
• They made less than $5050 in 2024 (not counting Social Security)
• You provided more than half of their financial support.

When you add someone as a dependent, we'll ask a series of questions to make sure you can claim them. There may be other tax benefits you can get when you claim a dependent.

Related Information:

• What does "financially support another person" mean?