In the past I've been to the library--and read tax code books (fat binders with flimsy pages). I learned a lot and was able to do my taxes confidently after an inheritance. I suspect much of that code is online now. I resist the movement toward the tax preparation choices that seem to be out there--"professionals only" (who, like attorneys, have helped make the field so obscure that individuals can't do much for themselves) or the automated computer program treatment, hoping it has algorithms to take all of your variables into account.

Choosing a volunteer or taxpayer support organization to get the information right is part of this query. By definition, AARP members would seem least likely to be in the position to answer questions about dependent children, presuming that their children are long since grown. But that's my generalization. In this day of children being raised by grandparents, who knows--maybe they are expert in this.

I'll have to Google the topic and see what turns up.

Anyway, I didn't plan this thread just to deal with my question for the 2004 tax year. If there are questions from other Mudcatters or examples that would help us prepare our taxes, they are welcome here. And as always, good links!

SRS