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posted May 31, 2019 7:16:11 PM

Question about why a dependent doesnt give a return

My 78 year old mother lives with me and i pay all her expenses. How come it says i can claim her as a dependent, but does not change my refund amount?

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1 Replies
Level 15
May 31, 2019 7:16:12 PM

By claiming your mom, you get the $4050 personal exemption for her, which lowers your taxable income.  You do not receive the same kind of age-related credits for her like earned income or child tax credit.  So there is no "extra refund" except for the indirect effect of your taxable income being lower.