Updated on 1/15/2016
You would receive the entire withholding back if you claim the boys and made less than $18,300.
If your income is less than $10,300 then you would get back all of your taxes withheld without claiming your children. However, if your boyfriend claims you as a dependent (which he can't do if your income is over $4,000), you would have to pay taxes on any income over $10,300.
If you claim your children, you may qualify for the Child Tax Credit, Earned Income Credit and Child and Dependent Care Credit (if applicable). You would also get a $4,000 deduction from your income per child.
If your boyfriend claims the children, this is the same.
I recommend you prepare returns for both of you and try the various scenarios to see which is more beneficial.
