To further clarify, I assumed that my parents would put as a dependent. I found out after I filed my returns that they did not put me as a dependent.
If you can be claimed as a dependent there’s no affect on your return by saying that you are a dependent unless you are eligible to claim education credit. Otherwise you don’t have to do anything. Your parents are free not to claim you but if eligible to do so are missing out on a tax credit if otherwise eligible.
Thank you for answering my question. May I ask one more question - per your reply to me, what if I couldn't technically be claimed as a dependent on my parents tax return?
I f you can’t be claimed as a dependent and you say that you can be claimed you would potentially be excluded from some tax benefits.
@bindirick If you put down you were a dependent and you don't qualify as a dependent it can effect several things on your return. One major thing is you might get the full Standard Deduction (if it was less) which can reduce your taxable income, so you would owe less tax.
But just because they didn't claim you, you still might qualify as their dependent. When do I have to answer YES to being claimed as a Dependent?
https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/tax-return/answer-yes-claimed-dependent/L2a52anul_US_en_US?uid=lv1tyfep
See if you qualify as a dependent. IRS Publication 501 starting on page 11 Dependents
https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p501.pdf