In determining his father's gross income for the qualifying relative test, what is included in the income calculation for James's father?

In determining the gross income for the qualifying relative test, all income sources are included to provide a complete picture of the relative’s financial standing. The correct answer emphasizes accounting for gross rents, which means the total income received from rental properties before deducting any expenses related to those properties.

When evaluating a person's gross income, it's important to assess all potential revenue streams. Rental income is particularly relevant because it can significantly impact the gross income figure. However, gross rents are specifically highlighted here because they represent the income generated from property before any deductions for expenses like repairs or property management costs. This understanding is vital, as the qualifying relative test's purpose is to determine whether an individual can be claimed as a dependent based on their overall financial resources.

In this context, while Social Security income and other income forms are relevant, they are not captured in the calculation of gross rents which specifically measures income from property ownership. Hence, focusing on gross rents allows for a clearer assessment aligned with the regulation's framework for gross income evaluation.