Choice "A" is correct. Smith is entitled to an exemption for himself. He is also entitled to an exemption for his mother Ruth (qualifying relative). Ruth has $9,000 in Social Security payments during Year 1, but because that is her only income, the Social Security is not taxable, and nontaxable income does not count in calculating whether an exemption can be taken for a dependent. Clay cannot be taken as a dependent because he filed a joint return with his wife. Because the joint return was filed for a purpose other than simply claiming a refund, the joint return prevents Smith from claiming an exemption for Clay. An exemption cannot be taken for Clay's wife because she filed a joint return with Clay. Smith is entitled to two exemptions.
Choice "c" is incorrect. Clay cannot be taken as a dependent because he filed a joint return with his wife. Because the joint return was filed for a purpose other than simply claiming a refund, the joint return prevents Smith from claiming an exemption for Clay. An exemption cannot be taken for Clay's wife because she filed a joint return with Clay.
Choice "d" is incorrect. Clay cannot be taken as a dependent because he filed a joint return with his wife. Because the joint return was filed for a purpose other than simply claiming a refund, the joint return prevents Smith from claiming an exemption for Clay. An exemption cannot be taken for Clay's wife because she filed a joint return with Clay.
Choice "b" is incorrect. Smith is entitled to an exemption for his mother, Ruth. Ruth has $9,000 in Social Security payments during Year 1, but because that is her only income, the Social Security income is not taxable, and nontaxable income does not count in calculating whether an exemption can be taken for a dependent.