MEMBER OF HOUSEHOLD TEST

An examination that can be conducted to a dependent instead of the relationship test. If the person does not meet the qualifications in order to be considered a close relative by the IRS, he or she may still be called a household member provided that he or she lived in the taxpayer’s household for the whole year. Even if the individual passed away on the last day of the year, IRS will consider him or her a dependent. Domestic employees such as housekeepers and babysitters are not included from this treatment.