Chapter 4, Problem 35P

The Samsons are trying to determine whether they can claim their 22-year-old adopted son, Jason, as a dependent. Jason is currently a full-time student at an out-of state university. Jason lived in his parents’ home for three months of the year and he was away at school for the rest of the year. He received $9,500 in scholarships this year for his outstanding academic performance and earned $4,800 of income working a part-time job during the year. The Samsons paid a total of $5,000 to support Jason while he was away at college. Jason used the scholarship, the earnings from the part-time job, and the money from the Samsons as his only sources of support.

1. a) Can the Samsons claim Jason as their dependent?
2. b) Assume the original facts except that Jason’s grandparents, not the Samsons, provided him with the $5,000 worth of support. Can the Samsons (Jason’s parents) claim Jason as their dependent? Why or why not?
3. c) Assume the original facts except substitute Jason’s grandparents for his parents. Determine whether Jason’s grandparents can claim Jason as a dependent.
4. d) Assume the original facts except that Jason earned $5,500 while working parttime and used this amount for his support. Can the Samsons claim Jason as their dependent? Why or why not?