When do I have to answer “yes” to being claimed as a dependent?
If you qualify to be claimed as a dependent, you must answer “yes” that you can be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s return. You’ll also be asked if the person who could claim you, will claim you, which only impacts your eligibility for certain education credits.
Answering “no” to the question, when you could be claimed, is potentially tax fraud. It could prevent TurboTax from calculating the Kiddie Tax for a dependent who has unemployment compensation or other unearned income. If you’re audited, you’d have to repay any improper refund, with interest, and potentially pay a penalty.
Who can claim you as a dependent?
A parent, relative, friend, or fiancé (etc.) can claim you as a dependent on their tax return as long as they meet the following requirements:
For a parent to qualify:
They're related to you.
You aren't claimed as a dependent by someone else.
You’re a U.S. citizen, resident alien, national, or a Canadian or Mexican resident.
You aren’t filing a joint return with your spouse.
You’re under the age of 19 (or 24 for full-time students).
No age limit for anyone permanently and totally disabled.
You lived with the parent for more than half the year (exceptions apply).
You didn't provide more than half of your own support for the year.
For a relative to qualify:
You don't have to be related to them (despite the term relative).
You aren't claimed as a dependent by someone else.
You’re a U.S. citizen, resident alien, national, or a Canadian or Mexican resident.
You aren’t filing a joint return with your spouse.
You lived with the relative for the entire year (exceptions apply).
You made less than $5,200 in 2025.
What if I had/have a job?
If you’re being claimed on someone else’s return, but have a W-2 for a job, you must report your earned income on your own return for a refund of some of your withheld wages. The person claiming you cannot include your W-2 info on their return.
Don’t worry, though, we’re here to help! As you go through the My Info screens in TurboTax, we’ll ask you a series of questions to get all of the info we need to prepare your return.
