I am a 22 year old full time college student who received $6,038 in gross income from a part time spring 2017 internship and full time summer 2017 internship. I also received a financial aid refund check of $5,336 from Pell Grant and Tuition Assistance Program (TAP). I only had $181 in book expense for the year (Because I'm very savvy and rather borrow books from the library) resulting in $5,155 in unearned income. Most of my money went for food, transportation, some clothing.
I have never done my taxes before and I don't know if I should do them since my gross income is below the required income. However, since my refund financial aid checks are high I feel like I should.
Also, do I still apply to be my mothers dependent since she is the one who pays the rent, utilities, buys food? Or does that $6,038 in gross income contribute to half my expenses? (I feel like it is unlikely since I live in NYC which is so expensive but I still need to ask)
If my mother puts me as a dependent and I file my taxes, would it not clash?
Thank you!
