Anyone claim a parent as a dependant?

My mother couldn't live on her Social Security ($750 per month), I was constantly giving her $300-400 a month to pay her rent and bills... so I let her move in here last January.

I have done my own taxes for the last 15 or so years.
Simple returns, I have my kids to claim but no investment income or such.

I think I have it figured out, the 50% rule.

I pay the bills for the house, say $625 per month for the mortgage, heat, water and electric.
Cable/phone/internet is $165 (is this a utility? "entertainment"?)
She buys some food, maybe $100, I buy another $300-400 per month.
I pay for her car payment and insurance, approx. $200 per month. (The vehicle is in my name though)
And I usually give her about $100-150 in cash a month for whatever she does like go see a movie, drive to a museum, bingo or whatever she does.

I know it's best to get tax advice from a pro, but does anyone else claim a parent and if so what kinds of things are counted towards the 50%+?

I'm probably just going to pay the $40 to the H&R Block site so I can chat with an "expert" but I'd like to hear from those who already do this if possible.

Let's block ads! (Why?)

Anyone claim a parent as a dependant?