If you use turbotax you will be promoted to a question about whether or not someone else can claim you as a dependent. If you receive more than half of your financial support from your mother then the answer should be yes. She will receive $1000.00 for the child tax credit for you. If you support yourself you need to tell your mother not to claim you as a dependent because your refund may be higher if you are NOT considered a dependent. However, if you received more than half of your financial support from your mother during 2015 or if your mother has a written or verbal custody agreement saying she can claim you then she is legally entitled to claim you. Bottom line: if she claims you or anyone else claims you as a dependent, you will have to say so on your tax return but you can still file your own return
