Part-time or Full-time College Student Dependent?

[meredith2998]

I turned 22 years old in 2020. I was enrolled in a college program all 12 months of 2020, but not at full-time status according to my college. I am I able to be claimed as a dependent? 

[Hal_Al]

There are two types of dependents, "Qualifying Children"(QC) and standard ("Qualifying Relative" in IRS parlance even though they don't have to actually be related). There is no income limit for a QC but there is an age limit, student status, a relationship test and residence test. Only a QC qualifies a taxpayer for the Earned Income Credit and the Child Tax Credit.

Since you were not a full time student and are over 18, you cannot be a QC dependent.  We then look to see if you can be a standard dependent.

A person can still be a Qualifying relative dependent, if not a Qualifying Child, if he meets the 6 tests for claiming a dependent:

1. Closely Related OR live with the taxpayer ALL year
2. His/her gross taxable income for the year must be less than $4300 (2020).
3. The taxpayer must have provided more than 1/2 his support

In either case:

4. He must be a US citizen or resident of the US, Canada or Mexico
5. He must not file a joint return with his spouse or be claiming a dependent of his own
6. He must not be the qualifying child of another taxpayer

[meredith2998]

I believe I qualify as a Relative Dependent. In this case I must indicate that "Someone else can claim me as a dependent on their tax return." correct? As for "And this person will claim me on their 2020 tax return." I am going to indicate No because the individual choses not to claim me as a dependent. Thank you.

[Hal_Al]

That is correct,

But why is the other person not claiming you?  They lose out on the $500 Other dependent credit because they don't claim you, but you still  lose out on the $1800 stimulus because you CAN be claimed.

[meredith2998]

I will have to discuss it with them again. I was unaware I would be able to receive stimulus being claimed as a dependent?

[Hal_Al]

" I was unaware I would be able to receive stimulus being claimed as a dependent?"

No.  Just the opposite. You can only get the stimulus if  you are not claimed as a dependent AND you do not check the box on your form 1040 that says you CAN be claimed as a dependent. 

[meredith2998]

Okay that is what I thought originally. I read your previous statement wrong. My apologies. So basically I don't get the stimulus either way because I must indicate that I can be claimed (via relative dependent), and by being claimed they at least receive the $500 credit?

[Hal_Al]

Correct.