You are trying to determine whether John can claim his mother as a dependent on his tax return. Follow along in the conversation, then select the correct question to ask. Click here to listen to the conversation.

You: Did your mother file a joint return with anyone else for this tax year?

John: No, she is not filing a joint tax return this year. She only received Social Security benefits of $6,000 during the tax year.

How would you respond?

	Well, unfortunately you cannot claim her as a dependent; her income was over the threshold amount.
	Do you know what your mother's total support requirements were for the year, and how much of that you contributed?