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Level 1
January 16, 2023
Question

Claiming a Parent as a dependent

  • January 16, 2023
  • 2 replies
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I am claiming my parent as a dependent. My parent makes in total (including SS) less than 20K. The amount not SS is less than 3K. Does my parent still need to file an individual return?

    2 replies

    DoninGA
    Level 15
    Level 15
    January 16, 2023

    Your parent would probably not need to file a tax return based on the information posted.

     

    Up to 85% of Social Security Retirement/Disability/Survivors benefits becomes taxable when all your other income plus 1/2 your social security reaches:

    • Married Filing Jointly - $32,000
    • Single or Head of Household - $25,000
    • Married Filing Separately - 0
    Level 8
    January 16, 2023

    Probably not. The social security is not taxable, but keep in mind that a dependent must file a return if their unearned income (1099-R, bank interest, dividends, etc) is more than $2,900. 

     

    Single dependents—Were you either age 65 or older or blind?
    No. You must file a return if any of the following apply.
    1. Your unearned income was more than $1,150.
    2. Your earned income was more than $12,950.
    3. Your gross income was more than the larger of:
    a. $1,150, or
    b. Your earned income (up to $12,550) plus $400.
    Yes. You must file a return if any of the following apply.
    1. Your unearned income was more than $2,900
    ($4,650 if 65 or older and blind).
    2. Your earned income was more than $14,700 ($16,450 if 65 or older and blind).
    3. Your gross income was more than the larger of:
    a. $2,900 ($4,650 if 65 or older and blind), or
    b. Your earned income (up to $12,550) plus $2,150 ($3,900 if 65 or older and blind)