@docmatter58 you ALWAYS have the option to claim or not claim a dependent. THe IRS doesn't care. The IRS is better off if you don't claim a dependent, because they don't have to pay the credit you may be eligible for.
HOWEVER, the dependent is asked CAN they be claimed, not ARE THEY claimed? see the difference? Whether you claim the dependent or not, the dependent's answer is always the same when answering the question "CAN you be claimed"
