Question

Mimi is 22 years old and is a full-time student at Ocean County Community College. She lives with her parents, who provide all of her support. During the summer, she put her Web design skills to work and earned $5,000. Can Mimi’s parents claim her as a dependent on their joint tax return? Why or why not? Assume that all five tests under qualifying child are met.

Answer 1

Yes, Mimi’s parents can definitely claim her as a dependent on their joint tax return.

Explanation: In this case all five tests under qualifying child are met. The fact that Mimi earned $5,000 during the summer from web designing will not matter here as Mimi is under the age of 24 years and is a full time student at a qualifying educational institution. As long as Mimi does not provide more than half of her own support the gross income test will not be necessary.