Can parents on visitor visa lived in usa for 170 days in yr 2006 be claimed as dependent for yr 2006

If yes now can I sumit their form w-7 application for itin along with my form 1040 in April 2007 if they are back to india currently?

How would your parent be your dependent?

That is my question too. They were here on a visitor's visa - she just wants to get some deductions, is my thought.

Oh, ye cynical skeptics!

The poverty level in India is such that it is possible for U.S.-based Indians to provide support for their parents and meet the crtieria to claim them as dependents, even when you factor in what the parents earned in India.

I cannot comment if the original poster CAN claim her parents (not enough information), but she has the right to pursue it if she provides more than HALF of their total support (very likely) and their gross income does not exceed the established limits.

Atlanta, I was just asking her for more info, how would they be dependent. However, I probably am on the cynical side. I guess my thought is mom and dad are on a visitor visa and not US residents. If the child sends money to mom and dad in India that isn't considered a deduction in the US. How dio you see this situation differently?

can parents on visitor visa lived in usa for 170 days in yr 2006 be claimed as dependent for yr 2006

if yes now can i sumit their form w-7 application for itin along with my form 1040 in april 2007 if they are back to india currently?

Yes, I provide more than half support to my parents in India. What more info do you need to answer this question?

Actually PNG, the Atlanta Tax Expert and I are debating the issue and my question was directed at him. I do not believe your support of your parents, residents of India, qualifies as a deduction in the US.

Well, to deviate a little, do you know whether sending money abroad to parents/family can be claimed as a gift deduction in taxes?

A gift, not to a qualified charity, is not deductible. That is my primary point.

I have gotten enough questions on this that I will call the IRS Intl Tax Hotline tonight to discuss this issue with them.