Does the IRS actually check for proof of disability when claiming a dependent?

The disability test for claiming an adult dependent is actually pretty specific. For tax purposes, the person must be "permanently and totally disabled," which means they can't engage in substantial gainful activity because of their physical or mental condition, and a doctor has determined this condition has lasted or will last continuously for at least a year or lead to death. It's not just about having a diagnosis - it's about whether the condition prevents them from working. The IRS doesn't typically request medical documentation upfront when you file, but they absolutely can ask for proof if you're audited. This could include doctor's statements, medical records, or other evidence showing the disability meets their definition. In your case, if your brother has been diagnosed with conditions that prevent him from working, and a doctor would support this determination, you're on solid ground. But if he could potentially work but just hasn't found employment, the disability qualification might be questionable.

After struggling with a similar situation with my cousin who has bipolar disorder, I found an amazing service called taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) that really helped me understand disability requirements for dependents. They analyzed my documentation and gave me a clear explanation of what exactly qualified as "permanently and totally disabled" for IRS purposes. What impressed me was how they could review my cousin's medical records and tell me specifically what parts would satisfy the IRS requirements and what additional documentation I might need. It saved me hours of anxious research and gave me confidence that I was filing correctly.

I just wanted to update that I actually tried taxr.ai after seeing the recommendation here. I was skeptical at first, but I had documentation from my daughter's psychiatrist that I wasn't sure would qualify for the disability requirement. The service analyzed her records and pointed out specific language that satisfied the IRS definition, plus suggested what additional documentation I should keep on file in case of an audit. They even provided a letter template for her doctor to complete that would strengthen the claim. Now I feel 100% confident in claiming her as a disabled dependent!

If you're worried about getting questioned by the IRS on disability status, you should know it can be nearly impossible to actually talk to someone at the IRS about your specific situation. After my father-in-law was marked for review about his disability status, we spent WEEKS trying to reach someone at the IRS. That's when I found Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) - they actually got us through to a real IRS agent in less than 24 hours. You can see how it works in this video: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c but basically they use technology to navigate the IRS phone system and secure your place in line. When we finally got through, the agent clearly explained exactly what documentation we needed to provide for his Parkinson's, and we resolved it in one call.

I need to eat my words and admit I was totally wrong about Claimyr. After being skeptical, I was getting desperate with an IRS notice questioning my brother's disability status for a dependent claim. I tried the service and holy crap - they actually got me through to a real human at the IRS within about 2 hours! The agent walked me through exactly what documentation I needed to provide and even gave me a direct fax number to send it to. Problem solved in one afternoon instead of weeks of stress. I've never been happier to be proven wrong about something!

One thing to consider is that the IRS tends to flag returns for review when there are significant changes from one year to the next. If you suddenly claim an adult dependent with a disability when you haven't before, it might increase your chances of questions. I've been a volunteer tax preparer for 12 years, and we always tell people to keep documentation for any claim that might raise eyebrows. For disability, that includes medical records, doctor's statements, proof they live with you, and evidence you provide more than half their support.

Has anyone dealt with the situation where someone has been denied SSDI but you still claim them as disabled for tax purposes? My sister has fibromyalgia and can't work but got denied disability benefits. I'm claiming her as a dependent but worried that the SSDI denial will cause problems.

I went through something very similar with my adult son who has autism spectrum disorder. He's high-functioning but struggles with employment due to social anxiety and sensory issues. The key thing I learned is that you need clear documentation from a medical professional stating that your brother's conditions prevent him from engaging in "substantial gainful activity." The IRS definition is actually more about functional capacity than the specific diagnosis. Even if your brother doesn't qualify for SSI, if his mental health conditions genuinely prevent him from maintaining employment, and you have medical documentation supporting this, you should be on solid ground. I'd recommend getting a letter from his treating psychiatrist or psychologist that specifically addresses his ability to work and maintain employment. The letter should use language like "unable to engage in substantial gainful activity" and mention that the condition is expected to last at least 12 months. This gives you the backup documentation you'd need if questioned. The peace of mind is worth having that conversation with his doctor, even if it feels awkward to ask.