An interactive tool that asks targeted questions about living arrangements, financial support, custody agreements, and family relationships to generate clear, personalized guidance on dependent claiming eligibility. The tool would cross-reference IRS rules (qualifying child/relative tests, tiebreaker rules, HOH requirements) and output specific recommendations with citations to relevant tax code, plus flag potential conflicts with other filers.

Tax filing complexity has increased with changing family structures (blended families, informal guardianship, adult children staying home longer). The 2024-2025 tax seasons show heightened confusion around dependent rules post-pandemic credit expansions, and AI capabilities now make sophisticated rule-based guidance accessible without professional fees.