Claiming a Parent as a dependent

[shelli0808]

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?

[DoninGA]

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

[leeloo]

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)