Can I claim my mom as a dependent if she owes the IRS?

[cmald]

I need to know, if I can claim my mom as a dependent even if she is still married with my dad, and I know he will not claim her. Also, since she is listed as owing the IRS, would this affect me? My mom is disabled and she only gets 3500 a year from SSA, and she has been living with me for the last few years, she separated from my dad but they have not divorced. The system told me to file as head of household, is this convenient if im not married?

[Opus 17]

Her owing the IRS will not affect your return.  You can claim her as a dependent as long as her husband does not file a joint return.  (If he does, the IRS will investigate and she would have to say that she did not consent to joint filing.)  You can file for head of household if you claim your mom and are single, it is a more favorable filing status.