@GaryInSanDiego wrote:
From their perspective, if they qualify to claim you, then they would save money.
Since they did not claim you, I suggest you calculate your taxes again and consider filing an amended return.
It is likely that your standard deduction would be greater, and you will get some money back.
Note: Dependents - If you can be claimed as a dependent by another taxpayer, your standard deduction for 2018 is limited to the greater of: (1) $1,050, or (2) your earned income plus $350 (but the total can't be more than the basic standard deduction for your filing status).
That is not correct if the parents "can" claim the dependent. That is what there are two questions "Can you be claimed" and "Were you actually claimed". You are not allowed by tax law, to claim yourself if another taxpayer "can" claim you, even if that taxpayer does not actually claim you. To pick and choose who claims a child to maximize tax benefits when the child "can" be claimed is considered tax fraud.
**Disclaimer: This post is for discussion purposes only and is NOT tax advice. The author takes no responsibility for the accuracy of any information in this post.**
