Tax claim

[Angie08]

Hi, this year my father (senior citizen) has been temporarily living with me. He makes $800 on social security. Do I claim him as an dependent? If so, will he increase or decrease my return?

[AR_CPA]

Hello Angie08, 

If your father's only income is from Social Security benefits and he is living with you and you're supporting him more than 50 percent, you could claim him as your dependent.  He will be your Qualifying Relative, see page 11 of IRS Publication 501  

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p501.pdf

Claiming your father as your dependent will get you about $500 as a dependent credit.  But it could affect if your father is claiming some other benefits.