2007-02-02 10:28:20 · 6 answers · asked by bob 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Taxes ➔ United States
Yes, if you are paying over 50% of all his expenses.
2007-02-02 10:31:45 · answer #1 · answered by Barkley Hound 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are two sets of rules for dependancy, and you're not allowed to use the first set (for "qualifying child") because you fail the relationship test (fathers don't count).
The second set of rules is for "qualifying relative" and here are the tests:
1) Support test (50% or more)
2) Gross income test (must be less than $3300)
3) Relationship test or member of household (must have lived with you all year)
4) Joint return test (they can't file joint with a spouse)
5) Citizenship test (US, Canada or Mexico)
It sounds like you might fail the first two tests. If your father pays rent, for food, medication, and other stuff, you have to show that you match or exceed that amount. When you're figuring your own contribution, you're allowed to count whatever square footage he takes up in your home and take a portion of your house payment and utilities, since you provide his home.
You also need to figure out if your father has higher income than the personal exemption ($3300).
NOTE: in applying the "income test" (#2), social security is not considered income. If this is all he has, you pass.
The last hurdle you need to get over is whether he will ever be REQUIRED to file his own return. Again, if it's just social security, no problem. If he has some other sources that amount to thousands (no less than that), it's a good idea to fill out a return for him to see if he owes anything. The moment he owes, he has to file.
2007-02-02 10:44:23 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
It would come down to the income test. If you make enough to provide over 50% of your fathers maintenance then you could claim him. I assume the Social Security is his only income. Refer to IRS Pub 17 for more info.
2007-02-02 10:32:49 · answer #3 · answered by cinsingl83 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes, if you provide more than half of his support. If you are single, you can file as head of household as well which gives you an additional tax benefit. However, if you claim him on your tax return he cannot claim himself on his tax return.
2007-02-02 11:25:53 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, if you provide more than 50% of his living expenses.
2007-02-02 10:32:30 · answer #5 · answered by BD in NM 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, as long as you provide more than half of his support.
2007-02-02 11:06:09 · answer #6 · answered by Bostonian In MO 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋