If my mom claimed me as dependent, but I qualify as independent, is there anything I can do? I can tell i’m receiving less than I probably should.

[AnnetteB6]

The first thing you should do is talk to your mom and determine whether she has or will be claiming you on her tax return.  If you are not both on the same page with regard to whether or not you are being claimed as a dependent, then both of your returns could be unnecessarily delayed when being processed.  

For example, if she has filed her return and claimed you as a dependent and you attempt to file your return without saying you were claimed as a dependent, then your return will be rejected by the IRS.  Then your only course of action would be to mail your return.  This not only takes extra time to process, but then your mom's return could be delayed as well while the IRS determines which of you is eligible to claim you.  

To learn more about the qualifications to claim someone as a dependent, take a look at the following TurboTax help article.  

Who can I claim as my dependent?
 

[fanfare]

If your mom already filed, you will have to mail in your tax return as independent.

IRS will review both returns and contact one or both of you.

@85ada18f86bf 

[xmasbaby0]

Explain your situation.   Why do you say you cannot be claimed as a dependent?   How old were you at the end of 2023?  Were you a full-time student in 2023?  If not, did you have more than $4700 of income?   And why do you think you are receiving "less than I probably should?"

If....if...your mom claimed you and should not have claimed you.......then if she already e-filed, you will not be able to e-file your return that says you cannot be claimed as a dependent.  Your own return will have to be filed by mail.  And mom will have to wait for her return to be fully processed and amend her return to remove you as a dependent.  You do not have to wait for her to amend.  Your return can be mailed at any time.

Here is the criteria your mom has to follow to determine if you can be claimed as her qualified child or qualified relative:

WHO CAN I CLAIM AS A DEPENDENT?

You can claim a child, relative, friend, or fiancé (etc.) as a dependent on your 2023 taxes as long as they meet the following requirements:

Qualifying child

• They're related to you.
• They aren't claimed as a dependent by someone else.
• They're a U.S. citizen, resident alien, national, or a Canadian or Mexican resident.
• They aren’t filing a joint return with their spouse.
• They're under the age of 19 (or 24 for full-time students).
• No age limit for permanently and totally disabled children.
• They lived with you for more than half the year (exceptions apply).
• They didn't provide more than half of their own support for the year.

Qualifying relative

• They don't have to be related to you (despite the name).
• They aren't claimed as a dependent by someone else.
• They're a U.S. citizen, resident alien, national, or a Canadian or Mexican resident.
• They aren’t filing a joint return with their spouse.
• They lived with you the entire year (exceptions apply).
• They made less than $4,700 in 2023.
• You provided more than half of their financial support.

When you add someone as a dependent, we'll ask a series of questions to make sure you can claim them. There may be other tax benefits you can get when you claim a dependent.