Claiming Parents as Dependents
Claiming Parents as Dependents
When claiming dependents on their tax return, it’s very common that most people would only think about claiming their own children as dependents. About ten years ago, when my mother-in-law was ill, she moved in with my wife and me. We helped take her to her medical appointments, managed her care, and supported her financially as well. Because of the things that we did for her also met certain IRS requirements, we were able to claim her as a dependent on our tax return.
Claiming a parent as a dependent on the tax return is one area that’s often overlooked. Under the right circumstances, a parent could qualify to be claimed as a dependent. It’s a situation that is happening more frequently as we start advancing into middle age, and our parents are getting into their 60’s, 70’s, or beyond.
In 2012, if you helped support a parent, you could qualify to claim that parent as a dependent. To do so, you must meet the following IRS requirements:
1. Your parent is a U.S. citizen, a resident alien, or a resident of Canada or Mexico.
2. Your parent did not file a joint tax return with anyone else.
3. Your parent received more than half of their support from you.
4. Your parent had gross income less than $3,800 in 2012.
Special Note: Parents visiting from overseas:
I have many friends who still have parents living overseas. Often times, their parents would come and visit for various reasons (i.e, birth of a grandchild, provide child care, etc.), and these parents end up staying for 6 months or more in the U.S. Although they are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents, because they have stayed in the U.S. for more than 6 months under their children’s financial support and care, they could potentially be claimed as a dependent as well (when certain other conditions are met). Note: These situations are a bit more complex, so I urge you to contact me for a consultation to see if your parents, who have stayed with you for more than 6 months, might qualify as your dependent.
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