My wife and I got married in October 2007. Due to my work situation, I work and live in Alabama and she lives in Michigan. She has a 22 years son who is a full time undergrduate student in Michigan. For
2007, we plan to file a joint return. My wife is on workers compensation, so her work comp income is not taxable (?). She provided some tuition and living expenses to her son in 2007 (I did not provide to his support). Her son found a part time job working about 10 hours a week in the last 3 months of 2007, so his income was not much. He received some grants in 2007 and took out student loans to pay for the tuition, college room and board, and living expenses. Based on what I read in pub 501, he qualifies as dependent for the age and residency tests, but I am not sure of the "support" test. What sources are included to calculate total support for dependent? I think my main question is the student loans. Are student loans part of the total support?
I assume that since we plan to file a joint return, we can claim my wife's son as dependent if the support test is met (even if I live in a different state and didn't provide support for my wife's son).
Also, for 2008, he may get his room and board for free if he get a job as RA (resdeint assistant) in his dormitory. If so, does the "free" room and board need to be included as part of the total support? If it needs to be included, how would we calculate the amount?
Thank you for your responses in advance.