A married couple arrives at your office and is hoping to get tax advice for their situation. They have a 22-year-old son whom they support in his full-time college studies. The husbands mother also lives with them and they support her in her daily living expenses. They do not understand whether they can report the son or mother as dependents and think they may not benefit through a married filing jointly status because they each make under $150,000 a year.

What kind of guidance would you provide to them in this situation?

What additional facts would you need to know to help them?