Can You Claim an Elderly Parent as a Dependent? Requirements You Need to Consider

153 responses to “Can You Claim an Elderly Parent as a Dependent? Requirements You Need to Consider”

1. 

   My mother is dependent on me. How much (in dollars) is that dependency worth on my income tax submission?
2. 

   my mom lives with me and my wife, she has 0$ income. can i claim her even if she files taxes for 0 income for health insurance purposes. we also pay her health insurance. she moved here from the Philippines and has a social number due to her permanent residence card or green card.
3. 

   I live with my parents and they have no taxable income, they are both disabled. Also all the house and bills are in their name but I pay them. Can I still claim them on my taxes?
4. 

   hello, My father doesn’t live with me. but i pay his utility bills, buy his food, and drive him to and from appointments. he receives non taxable social security ($1700) monthly. no other income. could i claim him as a dependent?
5. 

   I moved into my parents home to take care of them 3 years ago. I take care of both of them and pay all bills including the mortgage. Am I able to claim the mortgage interest as well as them as dependents?
6. 

   If I moved in to my parents home to take care of them including all bills and mortgage, am I able to claim the mortgage interest on my taxes as well as them as dependent? They do not have any other form of income other than social security.
7. 

   My mom moved in, august 1, 2018. She is 75 years old and receives 912 dollars from social security and 400 dollars from alimony every month. We pay more than half of her support, rent, utility etc. Can we claim her as a dependent?
8. 

   we claim my parents in our tax return. My parent sold a few months ago a rental house. They net from the transaction $42,000 (capital gains). Is it a good idea to file taxes together? and how would it affect our health insurance credit used to buy coverage for 4 of us for 2018?
9. 

   My mom and 3 young brother and sisters live with her. She is 62 and gets as for her and them (about 500.00 a month). I pay most of their expenses. I know I can claim the kids but can I claim my mom. She does not work and has only her ss as income.
10. 

    My mom has lived with us over a year,we charge her nothing to live here, we pay all utility bills and phone, she only pays her medical bills. She get RR retirement and a small pension from her last job can we claim her and if we do do we add her income to ours
11. 

    My mother has alhztimers. My sister has guardianship of her. But I am the one that lives with her and takes care of her day to day. This house was my mom and dad’s my dad passed January 2015 I have lived here on and off for 5 years and was the one handle thier finances up until my sister got guardianship of my mom. My mom only receives social security I believe it’s 1800 a month but since my sister took over I’m not sure. She pays for the house rent electric and gas out of that. I pay phone bill cable and pay for majority of groceries all household supplies and just the last few months my sister started helping by writing me a check for her needs out of mom’s account. I was paying for all her meds and everything and when my dad first passed I had to use my return last year to pay all of her bills bease she couldn’t use the money in her accounts. I was told I could claim her but not sure if I can. I work part time and have two kids and my income was only 15998.00 this year. How does this work
    • 

      If you can get one of the social workers at the hospital to g help you get a DPOA what your sister has will be in void I know this for a fact that way you will know where the money goes and it will help on your taxes.. Any new DPOA puts any other one in void they will ask her like the year who you are and maybe who the President is .. I wish you the best I feel you should control everything if you are the one taking care of her.. I do the same he isn’t my father but I have DPOA over him not any of his 4 kids..
12. 

    Good afternoon. I’m trying to figure out if I can claim my 79 yr old elderly other. She doesn’t live with me but I am her caregiver. Meaning I take her to many appts, pay her copays, etc. She receives $607 from SS, military Survivor benefits $674, and a military allotment from me for $300. I have been paying this allotment since 2009 when she became a widow. Am I eligible to claim her? Thank you
    • 

      Hi Brenda,
      You may be able to claim her if:
      -She is a US Citizen, National, resident of Mexico or Canada
      -She does not provide over half of her own support
      -She doesn’t make over $4,000 taxable income for the year
      TurboTax will ask you simple questions and give you a dependent exemption if you are eligible.
      Thank you,
      Lisa Greene-Lewis
      • 

        No money shows up in what I’ll be getting back from claiming my parents.
13. 

    I’m 23, made about $12,XXX …. My grandmother has lived with me for a couple years until she passed in October, she had no income other than SSI, and I will be claiming her as there is nobody else and I was basically her 100% “supporter” financially . Is it worth it to claim her, because I just have a simple w2 and make so little? or is there a refund for that possibly ?
14. 

    Hello,

    my father lives with me and does not have taxable income but receives $800 a month in SSI
    he does not pay anything rent or bills i support all of the living expenses including medication and food. Can i claim him on my taxes?
15. 

    my mother and father in law both live with my husband and I. They have no income whats so ever but……. they do not have a s.s# can i still add them?
    • 

      Without a social security number, I don’t think the IRS will accept it. I’ve always had to include the SS# on all dependents, including minor children.
16. 

    My mother has retired. I have ownership of her home with clause to occupy till death (to not pay capitol gain) in Massachusetts. I took a lean on property a few years ago to refinance my home. Am I able to claim her on my return for the interest and property tax?
17. 

    My mother is 66 years of age, retired , receives a small SS check and receives a small pension of $2320 per year. She owns two homes. Both homes have mortgages on them. She lives in one of the homes. The ‘second’ home is NOT classified as a rental property and has never been placed in the market, as such. The second home is for family use (of which I live in, full time, with my two children). I contribute approx $8475 to my mother, each year, which pays the mortgage, HOA Fees and electric for that (second) home. Can I claim her as a dependant since her taxable income is below the $4000 amount for 2015 or does this look more like a rental income for her?
18. 

    If you have been claiming your parent as a dependent and they their house that has been empty for several years (sold it slightly below value) can you still claim them on your taxes this year.
19. 

    My mother and I live in the same house. She receives only disability and social security. I have already determined, since I pay for over half of the expenses, that I can claim her as my dependent. My question is, if the house is in her name, and I am claiming her as my dependent, do I get to file the mortgage interest (which I pay) on my taxes?
20. 

    Hi, I just want to know what is considered taxable income? Social Security, SSI are they taxable income.
    My Mom gets 1187.00 a month In Social Security almost all of it is paid for rent. I pay for all of her other needs .
    • 

      I live with my 80 year old mother in her home. It is fully pd for and she collects just social security. I pay all household expenses and drive her to all doctor appointments since she broke her back last year. I also work full time. She has a bank account t which I am on also. Can I claim her on my taxes?
21. 

    My mom is 64 years old. She does not have any income. My husband and my income together is $175K. I have a 5 months old baby too. My question is how much I save by claiming my mother in my tax return?
22. 

    I used the turbotax software and it said my 82 yr. old mother who began living with us in May of 2014 is not considered a dependent. Her adjusted gross income is 3487.00 and we pay all of her living expenses with the exception of medical.
    • 

      Never mind. I’m a knuclehead. I looked for the word mother on the list of potential dependents instead of just parent. I must really be out of it today!
    • 

      Hi Patti,
      If you provided over half of her support and her taxable income is under $3,950 you should be able to claim her. I’m wondering if her taxable income is more and she has adjustments making her AGI less than $3,950. If not please go through the interview again and make sure you check off everything correctly:
      – You provide over half of her support
      – She is your relative
      – She does not make over $3,950 if that’s the case
      – No one else can claim her as a dependent
      Thank you,
      Lisa Greene-lewis
23. 

    Hi, my dad has Alzheimer’s and early dementia. His home was rented out the whole 2014 year and he made $2000/mo. My dad lives in an home for dementia patients and I’m paying for his care at $3,000/mo. Can I use him as a deduction? Thanks.
    • 

      Hi,
      You could only claim him if his net income from his rental property and other sources is under $3,950. You would need to figure out what his net rental income(rental income, less expenses and depreciation) is and any other income he has. You would also need to provide over half of his support.
      Thank you,
      Lisa Greene-Lewis
24. 

    my mom and dad both live with me…my mom had a brain hemorage and is now at a nursing home can I claim her on my tax return ….I did not claim her last year…she has been in a nursing home since june of 2012
    • 

      Hi,
      If you provided over half of her support and she didn’t make over $3,950 you may be able to claim her.
      Thank you,
      Lisa Greene-Lewis
25. 

    My mom did not live with me but I did pay for her food, clothing and drive her to her Dr appointments weekly/monthly etc. She only had SS and it was about $1285/month. Is she a dependent for my taxes? I have been handling her finances for a few years since she got sick and retired. She had no savings or retirement and I am also sorry to say she passed away last September from leukemia. I am apprehensive to consider her a dependent but my siblings say I can claim her.
    • 

      Hi,
      So sorry about your mom. If you provided over half of your mom’s support and her taxable income was not more than $3,950 for 2014 then you can claim her.
      Thank you,
      Lisa Greene-Lewis
26. 

    My mom is 86 and has not had to file a Federal claim for many years. She sold her house in 2014, according to Turbo Tax, she does not have to pay income tax on the sale. Do we still need to file a return for her?
    • 

      Hi,
      She may not have to pay taxes if she was eligible for the gain exclusion of $250,000 and it yielded zero taxable income, but she does need to still file since she most likely received a 1099-S which is also copied to the IRS.
      Thank you,
      Lisa Greene-Lewis
27. 

    Hi, someone else asked a very similar question above, but I don’t see an answer for it. My mother in law received $4560 from a foreign pension in 2014. Does that count as taxable income? She has it in a savings account in her home country and cannot access it from here.
28. 

    My parents have rental income which result in a loss after rental related expenses (interest on loan, property tax, maint. etc.). The only other income they have is Social Security. I provide more than half of the support but they do not live with me. Can I still claim them as dependents?
29. 

    My brother is 70. He had a minor stroke a few years ago and now lives with my husband and I – both of us are 62. My brother receives just under $12,000/year in Social Security and $70/month from a pension plan. All of my brother’s income goes to pay for home health care during the day so my husband and I can continue working. We have provided free lodging, transportation, meals, clothing, and all other misc personal expenses for almost the last 2 years. Can I claim him as a dependent?
    • 

      Hello Susan,
      Yes, it sounds like you will be eligible to claim him as a dependent if he meets certain other guidelines.
      When you are going through the Personal Info section regarding dependents, you can enter his information and TurboTax will let you know whether or not he qualifies.

      You can also visit https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1894472 to see all the requirements for claiming someone as a dependent.

      Thanks,
      Nicolle
    • 

      Greetings, Susan

      Yes. You can claim your brother as a dependent on your income tax return if:

      1. You provided over half of his support for 2014
      2. Your brother was a U.S. citizen, U.S. National, or resident alien for part of 2014.
      3. You brother’s gross income was less than $3,950 for 2014. This is true because half of his social security benefits plus any other gross income was less than $25,000 ($70 x 12 = $840 + $12,000 = $12,840 < $25,000).

      This IRS worksheet for determining support ( http://apps.irs.gov/app/vita/content/globalmedia/teacher/worksheet_for_determining_support_4012.pdf ) takes into account the fair rental value of the home and is a solid tool for you to use prior to using the next IRS tool I am listing for you.

      Please take a moment to use this interactive IRS tool for confirmation: http://www.irs.gov/uac/Who-Can-I-Claim-as-a-Dependent%3F

      Best Regards,

      TurboTax DougR
30. 

    How do we find out if my mom’s pension is taxable income? It is from the state of MA and she hasn’t had to pay taxes on it in the past.
    • 

      Hey there, Dorothy-
      The type of pension your mom has is the main factor in deciding whether or not it is taxable income. A great resource to determine whether or not it is nontaxable income is at https://blog.turbotax.intuit.com/2006/05/22/massachusetts-nontaxable-pension/
      However, if you are still uncertain, then please contact the Massachusetts Department of Revenue at 1-800-392-6089. They’ll be able to answer questions specific to your situation.

      Thanks,
      Nicolle Lesuer
31. 

    Mom mother lives with us in a 2000 sq ft basement apartment. She receives Union Pacific Railroad Retirement Tier One and Tier Two in lieu of social security. Does this count as taxable income or is it only tier two that counts? Also, can we deduct the completion of the handicap chair lift and bathroom renovations for her?
32. 

    My mother never worked she was house wife my father receives about 6000 of pension in Foreign county – They are both citizens – I provide more than half of support for both of them – can i claim them as descendant ? does 3900 apply to only father ? or it is split between two ?
    • 

      HI K,
      Glad to hear both of your parent’s are well and in good care. The $3950 personal income test applies to each person separately. So in this case from what you describe, your mother would qualify as your dependent. Since she is a citizen, did not make 3950$ in income, and you provided more than half her care. Your father’s pension amount however would exclude him from being claimed as a dependent on your return.

      The IRS has a fantastic tool that can help you determine quickly who qualifies as a dependent in your household. Just click the first link on the page the comes up in the link I have provided and allow about 10 minutes to complete the questions

      http://search.irs.gov/search?q=who+is+a+dependent&output=xml_no_dtd&proxystylesheet=irs_portals_frontend&client=irs_portals_frontend&oe=UTF-8&ie=UTF-8&num=10&ud=1&exclude_apps=1&site=default_collection&numgm=5&requiredfields=-archive%3A1
33. 

    My elderly mother is currently living with me, she receives SS and pension, I’m confused on the $3950 gross income is that monthly or for the whole year. I do provide well over half of her monthly support. Would I be able to claim her on my taxes as a dependent?
    • 

      Hello Janet,
      The $3,950 gross income is a yearly amount of which a dependents income must be under. To be able to claim your mother as a dependent on your taxes you would need to meet the following criteria:

      1. Mothers gross income must be $3,950 or less for the year (Generally you will not count SS
      towards this.)
      2. You must be providing more than half of your mothers monthly support.

      Also, to better understand the steps to Claiming an Elderly parent please review the link below: https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tools/tax-tips/Family/Steps-to-Claiming-an-Elderly-Parent-as-a-Dependent/INF19455.html

      Thank you,

      TurboTax Sherri
34. 

    Hello, I pay my father $6,000 a year for watching my two children but he doesn’t work, only receives pension. He is completely dependent on me. Can I claim him as a dependent on my state taxes?
    • 

      Hi Susan,
      No, I don’t believe you can claim him as a dependent. One of the requirements to claim someone as a dependent is that they had less than $3,950 of income for the entire year (Generally, that amount does not include Social Security benefits).
      However, you can still go through the interview about dependents, and TurboTax will determine whether or not he qualifies based on more information.

      If you’d like to see more about who qualifies as a dependent, then please visit https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1894472

      Thank You,
      Nicolle
35. 

    I retired early due to illness and only receive $866 in social security benefits. I live in an apartrnenbseat paying $800 for rent that includes all utilities. My son buys my food,clothing and shoes,pays for transportation to my doctor appointments and medicine. Can he claim me as a dependent on his federal taxes?
    • 

      Hello Beverly,

      Yes, he would be able to claim you as a dependent since he is providing more than half of your total support expenses for the year. However, there are also three other test which he would have to be able to pass as well. If he can answer yes to no one else can claim you, your gross income being less than $3,950 (which it would be because you don’t claim Social Security as income), and you live with him or qualify as a relataive on IRS publication 501(http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p501.pdf) then you are able to be claimed as his dependent.

      Thank you,

      TurboTax Sherri
    • 

      I am retired and receive $1027.00 in social security benefits and Medicade pays ONLY my part B. I live in my son’s home and pay $125.00 to help pay for utilities. He pays for the rest of the utilities ($250.00) and other expenses of owning a home. By living here I have a nice place to live in a safe part of town and I am not alone and he looks after me, taking me to doctor appointments, paying for things I do not have the money to cover( car maintenance, medical that is not covered by medicare) Can he claim me as a dependent on his federal taxes?
      • 

        What does it mean ” Your comment is awaiting moderation.”? Do you need more information?
36. 

    Hi, I claim my parent as a dependent. I would like to know if I can deduct that parent’s capital losses?
    • 

      Hello Lrao,

      Unfortunately even if you are able to claim your parent as a dependent the Capital loss can only be claimed by your parent. Since the capital loss is associated to their Social Security / Tax ID number then they are the only ones able to claim and report that capital loss.

      Thank you,

      Sherri Chambers
37. 

    Hello, I am 71 years old and live with my son. He doesn’t charge me for rent and he pays most of other bills (sometimes I pay for groceries). I pay my medical bills. I only get $ 1.385.00 SS and pension of $187.00. I have some savings in Mutual Funds, CD. My main income is SS and pension.
    What proof my son and I need to qualify as a dependent?.
    I didn’t file taxes this year or last year either previous year.
    Is it if you earned $11,400.00 than you have to file income taxes? Is that correct?
    Thank you. Krystyna
    • 

      Hello Krystyna,
      If you are unmarried and at least 65 years of age, then you must file an income tax return if your gross income is $11,700 or more. However, if you live on Social Security benefits, you don’t include this in gross income. If this is the only income you receive, then your gross income equals zero, and you don’t have to file a federal income tax return. But if you do earn other income that is not tax-exempt, then each year you must determine whether the total exceeds $11,700. If you are married and file a joint return with a spouse who is also 65 or older, you must file a return if your combined gross income is $22,900 or more. If your spouse is under 65 years old, then the threshold amount decreases to $21,700. Keep in mind that these income thresholds only apply to the 2014 tax year, and generally increase slightly each year. The following link has great information on when Senior Citizens can stop filing taxes: https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tools/tax-tips/Taxes-101/When-Does-a-Senior-Citizen-on-Social-Security-Stop-Filing-Taxes-/INF14328.html

      As far as trying to be claimed a dependent there are 4 test that you and your son would have to pass before he is able to claim you. One of these test is that your gross income can not exceed $3,950. He also would have to provide more than half of your total support for the year, no one else is able to claim you as a dependent, and you must live with him or be on list of relatives that do not have to live with you to be claimed a dependent (IRS Publication 501 http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p501.pdf).

      Thank you,

      TurboTax Sherri
38. 

    I am working here on a h1 visa and my parents visited me in USA last year on a visitor visa..stayed here for 180 days..I bear all the expenses.. can I claim them as dependent ?
    • 

      Hello Gaurav,

      Since they were visiting I am assuming they are not United State citizens so no you wouldn’t be able to claim them as dependents. The IRS has a tool that can help you determine if someone is able to be claimed as a dependent. The tool is located at http://www.irs.gov/uac/Who-Can-I-Claim-as-a-Dependent%3F . A dependent has to be a US citizen, permanent resident, residnet alien or resident of Mexico or Canada to be able to be claimed as dependent on your taxes. Also, you would have to pass the 4 test the IRS has created which are: Gross income is $3,950 or less, no one else can claim them as dependents, you provided more than half of their support for the year, and they must be living with you for the year unless meet requirement for qualified relative on IRS Publication 501(http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p501.pdf).

      Thank you,

      TurboTax Sherri
39. 

    My husband tends to most of his mother’s financial needs (paying bills, bookkeeping, banking, etc.) as well as her medical needs (transportation to medical appointments, prescriptions, visitations) on a regular basis. Is there a provision in the tax system that allows him to deduct this from our taxes?
    • 

      Hello Susan,
      You may be able to claim some tax breaks for helping your mother-in-law throughout the year. TurboTax will of course ask you during the interview process if you have any dependents and if your mother-in-law is meeting the requirements to be claimed as a dependent this will provide you a tax break.

      To claim her as a dependent you will have to pass the following 4 test:
      1. She is not a Qualifying Child
      2. Member of household or Relationship test (This would pass since she is a parent)
      3. Gross Income Test (Your parent’s gross income for the year must be less than $3,900. This amount excludes income from
      Social Security, disability payments or tax-exempt income.)
      4. Support Test (In order to meet the requirements of this test, you must pay for over half of your parent’s expenses. There are
      many factors involved in coming to this conclusion including food, housing, clothing, medical care, and
      transportation expenses.)

      You may also be able to claim the Dependent Care Credit if you paid someone else to care for your elderly parent so you were allowed the opportunity to work or look for work. If eligible, you would be allowed a credit of up to 35 percent of the expenses paid for dependent care with the maximum amount of expenses being $3,000. This means the tax credit can be worth up to $1,050. To be eligible, you (and your spouse if filing jointly) must have earned income during the year, and the care recipient must be unable to physically or mentally care for him or herself. Care recipients must also be claimed as a dependent (if the recipient’s income is under $3,900) on the caregiver’s tax return, and you must identify all persons or organizations that provide care, according to the qualifications listed on IRS Form 2441.

      If you are unable to claim your mother-in-law as a dependent, because she has an income that exceeds the #3,900, the IRS allows caregivers to deduct costs incurred from a parent’s health care, such as hospitalization, prescription drugs, dental care and even long-term care services.

      A complete list of deductible medical expenses is available in IRS Publication 502: Medical and Dental Expenses. The deduction is limited to medical expenses that are in excess of 10% percent of the caregiver’s adjusted gross income (AGI) (7.5% if either your or your spouse was born before January 2, 1949).

      The following link has information of what medical expenses that may be claimed for a deduction as well per the IRS publication 502:
      http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p502.pdf

      Thank you for using TurboTax,

      TurboTax Sherri
40. 

    my mom lives with me. she pays be $300 a month. she only get SS. if I claim her will she lose her food stamps, meidcade or Medicare benefits?
    • 

      Claiming her on your taxes doesn’t affect her benefits like food stamps or medicaid the amount of benefits is based off of the net monthly income of the household and provided on a state level. If you are unsure of any affects that may happen I would suggest reaching out to the Health and Human Services Department that is local to your area and asking them if they have any unknown criteria to your mother being claimed on someone else’s taxes affecting her Food Stamps, Medicaid, or any other state offered benefits.

      As far as your mother’s SS it may be affected by her being claimed as a dependent, because the agency will count the market value of that housing as income and offset her benefit accordingly. If you are claiming her as a dependent and thus providing at least half of her support, she may exceed the income guidelines for SSI. If she is on SSDI, then being claimed as a dependent has no affect on the benefits she is receiving from SSDI. If she is receiving SS Retirement Benefits, then as long as her income does not exceed $3,900 your claiming her as a dependent would not affect her SS benefits in this case either.
41. 

    If an elderly parent whose income is only through ssi benifits and has no other income and he stays with his daughter.can daughter claim him as adependent for income tax purposes?
    • 

      parent ges around $650 each month as SSi payments.And he has no other income and stays with his daughter who provides shelter and utilities and other basic needs.Parent contributes only for his food .Can daughter claim his as dependendant?
      • 

        Hello Jaivanth,
        As long as the gross income is $3,950 or under for your parent, no one else can claim parent as dependent, you are providing more than 50% of support for the year for your parent, and your parent is living with you then yes you would be able to claim your parent as a dependent.

        Thank you,

        TurboTax Sherri
42. 

    My mother who is 84 and received only Social Security has lived with me for over 3 years. Aftershe pays her expenses I have to pay for the test of her care which is quiet expensive. She only has her social security as an income. Would I qualify to count her as an exemption? I am single and head of household.if so what documentation is needed?
    • 

      Hello Regina,

      You may be able to claim your mother as a dependent relative for the $3,950 tax exemption. Though she does not need to live with you, she would need to meet the following requirements to be claimed as such.

      – Have been a citizen or resident of the United States, or a resident of Canada or Mexico.
      – Did not file a joint income tax return with anyone else.
      – Received more than half his or her support from you.
      – Had less than $3,950 of income for the entire year. (Generally that amount does not include Social Security benefits.)

      For more information regarding dependent relative please review the following linked article: https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1894472-who-is-a-dependent

      Also, for more information on the difference between an exemption and dependent review the link below:
      https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1899192-what-is-the-difference-between-a-dependent-and-an-exemption

      Thank you,

      TurboTax Sherri
43. 

    I moved to NV in 2013 to take care of my dad who is 73 and many medical issue . He does get social security income and $100 in food stamp. He lives with me and I pay for everything including when he runs out of food. Can I claim him on my taxes.?
    • 

      Hi Starlyn,
      You can claim him if you provide over half of his support and he doesn’t earn over $3,950 in taxable income.
      Thank you,
      Lisa Greene-Lewis
    • 

      Hello. My mother is 85. We share a home that is her mortgage but we’re both on the title. I pay all bills. I qualify to claim head of household, so may I claim the mortgage interest and her medical bills as well? Is there a separate form needed when I claim her on my taxes or do I just list her along with me three sons (dependents).
      • 

        Hi Tracye,
        You would just answer the questions in TurboTax about her being a dependent and TurboTax will give you the exemption for her if you are eligible. Regarding home mortgage interest there will be an option for you to answer that you did not receive a 1098 for mortgage interest in your name but you did pay it. You can also claim her medical expenses if you are able to claim your mother as a dependent.
        Thank you,
        Lisa Greene-Lewis
44. 

    I am a bur confused about claiming parents. They on get social security and i take care of their needs. Whatever they need and there is no money left of their checks i pay.i take them to appointsand do everything i have asked before but was told they have to live with you. So should i be able to claim them..
    • 

      Hi Irene,
      Only non-relatives have to live with you. You can claim them if you provide over half of their support, they do not make over $3,950 taxable income, and they meet the citizenship tests.
      Thank you,
      Lisa Greene-Lewis
45. 

    Hello,
    My elderly parent was evicted from her apartment (she received public assistance for her rent) in one state and subsequently moved in to my home in another state. She lost any assistance for rent when she was evicted. She has lived with me since September of 2014. She pays no rent. Her only income is social security.
    Is this an instance where I can claim her as a dependent? Do I need to subsequently file as a “head of household”.
    Not living with anyone, I never claimed myself as a head of household.
    Any information you can provide would be helpful.
    Thanks,
    MB
    • 

      Yes, you will be head of household and your mother would be your dependent.
46. 

    Hello my mother earns 778 monthly from social security and I help pay light and her her food and water can she qualify in my taxes
    • 

      Hi Brenda,
      It sounds like she more than likely can. However, there are more factors that go into determining who qualifies as a dependent. A great resource for information to help you is at https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1894472
      Plus, when you are going through the Personal Info tab of your return, TurboTax will ask questions regarding anyone you want to try to claim as a dependent to make it easier on you. When you are done with the dependent section, it will tell you whether or not she qualifies.

      Thanks,
      Nicolle Lesuer
    • 

      Greetings, Brenda

      Yes. You can claim your Mother as a dependent on your income tax return if:

      1. You provided over half of her support for year (your Mother did not have to live with you during 2014).
      2. Your Mother was a U.S. citizen, U.S. National, or resident alien for part of 2014.
      3.You Mother’s gross income was less than $3,950 for 2014. This is true because half of her social security benefits plus any other gross income was less than $25,000 ($778 x 12 = $9,936 < $25,000).

      Please take a moment to use this interactive IRS tool for confirmation: http://www.irs.gov/uac/Who-Can-I-Claim-as-a-Dependent%3F

      Best regards,

      TurboTaxDougR
    • 

      Greetings, Brenda

      Yes. You can claim your Mother as a dependent on your income tax return if:

      1. You provided over half of her support for year (your Mother did not have to live with you during 2014).
      2. Your Mother was a U.S. citizen, U.S. National, or resident alien for part of 2014.
      3. You Mother’s gross income was less than $3,950 for 2014. This is true because half of her social security benefits plus any other gross income was less than $25,000 ($778 x 12 = $9,936 < $25,000).

      Please take a moment to use this interactive IRS tool for confirmation: http://www.irs.gov/uac/Who-Can-I-Claim-as-a-Dependent%3F

      Best regards,

      TurboTaxDougR
47. 

    I’m sorry I’m wrong ssi is $240 not $24th.
48. 

    My father hasn’t worked,i been supporting him for food and other expenses and rent he is 65 years old.he recently received ss about $500 and ssi about $24th month. Can I claim him as a dependent
49. 

    There is major conflicting information here about the support test: I hope the latter is true – it seems to match the IRS regs.

    https://blog.turbotax.intuit.com/2011/07/20/can-you-claim-your-elderly-parents-on-your-taxes/

    Satisfying the support test:”if your elderly parent only uses their Social Security benefits to pay $300 in monthly rent and you provide all other expenses that total more than $300 each month, then you will satisfy the requirements of the support test even if your parent puts thousands of dollars of tax-exempt income into a savings account each month.”

    https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tools/tax-tips/Family/Steps-to-Claiming-an-Elderly-Parent-as-a-Dependent/INF19455.html
    Support Requirement: last sentence:
    “Compare the value of support you provide with any income, including Social Security, that your parent receives to determine whether you meet the support requirement. The amount of support you provided must exceed your parent’s income by at least one dollar.”
50. 

    Hello,
    My mother receives military pension from divorce and sums up to over $3,950, but does military pension considers as taxable or nontaxable income. If nontaxable that mean i can claim her as dependent right?
    • 

      Hi Arnett,
      The military pension is considered taxable income so you would not be able to claim her if she provided over half of her own support.
      Thank you,
      Lisa Greene-Lewis
51. 

    Hello,

    My father has not worked in the last 2 years and since then I have been supporting him with rent, food and some other expenses, he is 62 years old. He recently received his earning records and its shows no income in 2011, 2012, 2013 (says not yet recorded)

    Can I claim him as a dependent?

    Regards
    • 

      Hi Hugo,
      Yes, if he meets the following test:
      – He is a US citizen, US National, resident of Mexico or Canada
      – He did not earn over $3,950 in taxable income
      – You provided over half of his support.
      Thank you,
      Lisa Greene-Lewis
52. 

    My mom lived with me for many years and I have claimed her as head of household on my taxes every year since I paid most of the housing and incidental expenses. She passed away this September 2014. Can I still claim head of household for 2014 giving her social security number?
53. 

    My husband and I (both over 50), lived with my daughter and husband for most of last year until their situation changed. My husband was in a car accident in 2013 and hasn’t been able to work since. We receive no income other than food stamps and Medicaid. I am also unable to work because of health issues, however, late last year, in order to have a roof over our heads, I started to volunteer at a place in GA that provides housing to out-of-state volunteers (which we are). In volunteering (vs a job), when I do not feel well, I can go home and rest and take care of myself. As a result of volunteering, I received a 1099 for the housing income but it is well below the income limit allowed. I was told that since I received food stamps and Medicaid, I have to file for ourselves and that I would need to pay self-employment taxes. My question is can my daughter claim us on her income taxes since she provided most of our “keep” last year? And will we need to pay self-employment taxes? Any help would be appreciated. We are just trying to keep a roof over our heads and cannot afford any taxes.
54. 

    We purchased a home for my mom and allow her and her husband to live there rent free. We pay the HOA and mortgage payment each month in the amount of $650. We also pay her monthly car insurance and cell phone in the amount of $170. She is on disability and receives $700 a month. Her husband works, but only makes about 12,000 a year in income. We are deducting the interest expense on the home, but would like to know if we can deduct the other expenses? Thank you
55. 

    I moved into my granparents paid for home to help them out with bills in 2013. My grandfather died in April of 2014. He was 68 and disabled. His only form of income was social security (1,100 monthly). My 75 yr old grandmother now receives his benefits. Can I claim either one of them for 2014 if I paid the property taxes and the majority of the bills? They do not file.
56. 

    Can i claim my mom? She doesn’t work at all she’s 55 I completely take care of her she doesn’t get any income?????
    • 

      Absolutely. i have done it in the past. An H&R Block tax specialist clued me in about this exemption several years ago.
57. 

    My mother separatedy father last year. She is disabled and makes only 3000 from ssa a year. My dad usedto clam her as a dependent and he owes taxes. If i claim her this year does it affect me?
58. 

    The state pays me to be my disabled mothers cargiver. I do have a fulltime job also. I take care of her and all her living expenses, although the state does takes care of her medical bills. Can I claim her as a dependent on my taxes
59. 

    My mother is disabled and has only her social security and a small retirement pension which comes to about $1100 a month; I had to move in to care for her as she is mentally and physically unable to care for herself: by the time we pay her insurance & the copay for he medicine she only has a few dollars left over so I pay the rest of her bills: mortgage on house; pge, gas, food, clothing, etc. so I do pay over half her expenses. Can I claim her on my 2014 income tax return?
60. 

    Can I claim my mom? She is below the required income, but as far as financial support I pay for her phone bill monthly and purchased her a car for her which is more than 2x her annual social security benefits.
61. 

    My mother passed away in Sept. 2014 and had SS as well as disability money coming in, yet she lived with me and I paid for more than half her living expenses. She didn’t file a return the year before and made a payment plan with the IRS before she passed away to take care of that, but when passed there was no estate, no assets whatsoever. Can I claim her as a dependent or will they take my refund since then she will be linked to me to settle as much as her debt?
62. 

    Can you claim your father even if you and your spouse live in his house and he receive 1100. a month social security. His house expenses are less than 900. a month.
63. 

    I pay my Mom’s bills (all of them) can I claim her and can I deduct the amount I pay for her meds, Life Alert, and Phone service I pay monthly?
64. 

    Claiming parent as dependent: Does income from the sale of her residence from 4 years ago count as gross income if the parent does not spend it? She will spend only $2000 of the $8000 left (non-taxable gain) and I pay everything else. The support test is met. She draws very little SSA benefits.
65. 

    my dad is sick moved in with me he is 78 draws social security and county pension i furnish all food charge no rent he refuses doctor even though he sick so has no medical bills can i claim him as a dependent on my income tax
    he has no other income
66. 

    My 85 year old Dad lives with mehe gets a littlleover $1ooo.oo a month from Social Security can I claim him?
67. 

    If I purchase a home for the sole purpose of my mother living there and she pays less than market value rent do I have to claim that as income? If I don’t charge rent can I claim her as a dependent and claim the mortgage interest and real estate taxes as itemized deductions on my return?
68. 

    I am financially supporting my elderly mother that lives in a senior home in europe. Can I claim her as a dependent or does she have to reside in canada?
69. 

    What if someone does not have children that help them but they have a really good friend that pays part of her light bill every month for years also pays for all house hold repairs as well as car repairs and her land taxes because she just doesn’t have enough money to make it. Could that friend use her for an exemption?
    • 

      my understanding is that they have to be a relative (so a friend couldn’t claim the exemption)
70. 

    Hi, my father lives in the nursing home and his Medicaid/Medicare pays for his nursing home expenses. However, I have hired a personal caregiver to help him with the extra medical needs. I am paying $800 a month for this. He only makes $30 a month from his SSI.

    Does he qualify as my dependent?

    Thanks
    John
    • 

      Hi John,
      Yes, you could claim your father if he does not have taxable income over $3950 in 2014 and your provide over half of his support.
      Thank you,
      Lisa Greene-Lewis
      • 

        Thank you very much Lisa,
        I have not filed him as a dependent so far. How many years can I go back and make corrections in my tax return?
71. 

    My parents live in my rental and i do not charge them rent. in addition I also pay some of the utility bills. They only get social security and do not file taxes. can I claim them as dependents? I am still paying the mortgage on the house they live in. $600.00 a month.
72. 

    Father (age 91) lives with us. His Pension income is $6,950/year, so does he have to file and can we claim him? He is here under a Doctor’s order.
73. 

    Can I claim my 68 yr old mom who’s only income is Soc Security ($4120 yearly) and I pay rest of the bills?
    • 

      68 yrs oldNewly retired pension 1000 a month do I file w4 form, married claiming 2 or I have to choose flat amount deduction. Pls help
74. 

    Me and my wife are dependent on our daughter for our livelihood. We have no income of our own except yearly dividend & interest of around $ 1500. Do we need to file separate tax return for our above earnings?
    • 

      Hi Teyphun,
      No you do not meet the IRS income requirement threshold so you don’t have to file.
      Thank you,
      Lisa Greene-Lewis
75. 

    My mother’s pension income is more than $3900, however I paid more than 50% of her skilled nursing home costs in 2013 and more than 50% of all her medical expenses. If I cannot claim her as a dependent because of her income, can I still deduct the medical expenses I paid directly to the nursing home/medical expenses I paid for her care?
76. 

    My parents who both are on social security alone live with me. Can I claim them as dependants? Are there any situations where I couldn’t?
77. 

    My parent is in a va facility 340 miles away. I have to go up there once a month. Can I take gas mileage off or as a deduction and if so how much per mile?
78. 

    My 85 year old mother, my sister and I live together , my mothers ss is 1400 amonth. . All three of us pay for our house and upkeep. It would be very difficult to separate for tax purposes. Who ever has the money at the time pays bill. Can I claim my mother since no one else does.
79. 

    My elderly father’s only income is his monthly social security check. My sister and I both send him money every month to pay his bills, which is over half his support. He still owes child support to our mother, which is currently being taken out of his social security checks. If I claim him as a dependent, will the money he owes get taken out of my refund?
80. 

    My father receives a veterans pension and that is the only I come he and my mother have. Can I claim them without affecting his benefits?
81. 

    My father receives a veterans pension for about $1,300/month. Can I carry he and my mother on my taxes without jeopardizing his benefits?
82. 

    Hi. My father receives a veterans pension for approximately 1,300. Can I claim him and my mother on my taxes?
83. 

    my mother is 45 (not what i consider elderly) can i claim her she worked part of jan. lst yr and is in process of getting soc sec
    • 

      Hi Devin,
      You can claim your mother if you provided over half of her support and she didn’t make over $3,900.
      Thank you,
      Lisa Greene-Lewis
84. 

    i support, with remittances, my mother who lives in and and is a citizen of India. Is there a way to get tax credits for those remittances? or does she have to be living with me, in the US for part or entire year?
    • 

      Can I claim my remittances to my children living in the Philippines in my income tax return here in Canada if yes what category it will fall?
85. 

    My father passed away this year, and I am living with my elderly mother. The only income that she receives is her monthly social security check. Would I be able to claim her as a dependent and file head of household for next years taxes?
86. 

    If I am married but file married separate from spouse, can I claim my elderly mother we meet the other requirements?
87. 

    I have been claiming my elderly father as a dependent for a few years now….On April of this year he entered a nursing home…Would I still be able to claim him for this year
88. 

    I have been claiming my live in father on my income tax for quite a few years….On 4-19-13 he entered a nursing home…..Would I be able to claim him for this year…….
89. 

    Your parents do not have to live with you if you pay over 50 percent of support
90. 

    I support my elderly Father, however, he lives in Greece. I pay his caretaker & his monthly expenses. I wire the money monthly. Am I able to claim this?
91. 

    Hello, I check your blog regularly. Your story-telling style is witty, keep it up!|
92. 

    My mother whom i have as a dependent for taxes passed in august of this year. She was 92. Can i still claim her on 2013 taxes as a dependent?
93. 

    Since I can claim my mother as a dependent on my taxes, does she still need to file a tax return for her income, as little as it might be?
94. 

    As of May 2012, we pay nearly 100% of my elderly mother’s living expenses – including her mortgage and utilities. She lives out of state, and receives $730 per month in SSA income per year. We claimed her as a dependent for 2012, but it was disallowed. Before calling the IRS, I am hoping you can let me know what documents or proof I need to have on hand. Thank you.
95. 

    These are all helpful. My 90year old father moved in after Mom past away and is paying us 1300 per month for rent, medical, personal expenses, so do we claim that as income? Can we still claim him as a dependent?
96. 

    My father lives in a house that I own. I pay the personal property and up keep on the house. I also pay the water bill for him and repairs to his vehicle. Can I claim him on my taxes. He gets 800 on SS and has no other income. Some times I have to buy him groceries.
97. 

    my father gets 24,000 from SSDI He lives with me and I pay all household expenses Can I claim him as a dependent
    • 

      Hi Satie,
      As long as you pay for over half of his support for things like housing, food, medical, clothing, and other basic necessities you can claim him. TurboTax will ask you the necessary questions to help you.
      Thank you,
      Lisa Greene-Lewis
      • 

        Hi Lisa,

        My Father stays in India and I’m paying for his all expenses (food, clothing, medical etc..) can I claim these expenses on my fed or state return? Is yes can you tell me how?
    • 

      My 77 year old mother does not live with me but I pay her electric bill, buy most of her groceries, I gave her a vehicle, which she can’t drive anymore, and purchase most of her clothing. She receives $872 a month on social security and $360 on retirement. Up until reading the blogs I didn’t know claiming her was an option. Would she qualify as a dependent for me. No one else claims her.
98. 

    My mom and brother get ssi and. Sociall security. They both llive with me and my husband. We tried to claim them on our taxes but our tax guy said we couldnt cuz there ssi will be taken away. Is this true?
    • 

      Hi Rosa, Since your question is about Social Security benefits and not about income taxes, we can’t provide an answer. You may want to contact Social Security directly at the attached link for more guidance. Cheers… –Christopher

      http://www.ssa.gov/pgm/reach.htm
99. 

    My mother lives in a house on our property rent free. She does pay us 100 a month for electricity out of her $780 social security that she received (her only income) We paid insurance on the house, contents coverage, cable, water, taxes on the house. We do claim her as a dependent but not those expenses. What form and what of that can we deduct?
100. 

     My sister has lived with us for 7 months and we have provided all her care except medical which she doesn’t go to a DR. Can we claim her on our income tax?
101. 

     She moved in America in Aug 1st 2011.Total months lived in my house only 5 months,not half of the year.Can i still claim her as my dependent?
102. 

     You should be able to claim your parents if you provide for over50 percent of their support.
     • 

       can you claim for your parents even if they live abroad and do not have a social security number? which forms/schedules are required to be completed for this?