What is the adjusted gross income (AGI) threshold for Lisa's mother to treat Courtney as a qualifying child?

To determine the correct adjusted gross income (AGI) threshold for treating a child as a qualifying child for tax purposes, it is essential to understand the income limitations set forth by the IRS guidelines.

For a person to claim someone as a qualifying child, their income cannot exceed a specified threshold, which varies depending on different factors such as tax filing status and the specific requirement for qualifying children. In the context provided, the AGI threshold of $20,000 aligns with current IRS regulations for Head of Household and other filing statuses, where this level of income can allow an individual to claim their child on their tax returns.

Meeting this AGI threshold is crucial, as it affects the eligibility for various tax credits and deductions associated with dependents, including the Child Tax Credit. Therefore, if Lisa's mother meets the AGI condition of $20,000, she can successfully treat Courtney as a qualifying child, thereby potentially increasing her tax benefits.