I am 21 years old and a full time student. My parents are divorced, and according to their divorce agreement, my father is entitled to claim me as a tax dependent. However, I do not live with or spend time with my father.
My college expenses are paid completely paid from a 529 account. My medical costs are paid from a joint account funded 80/20 by my father and mother. I live with my mother on school breaks and she provides support with the exception of the previously mentioned medical costs.
In previous tax years, my father had signed an 8332 form and my mother claimed me as a dependent.
For 2019 taxes, my father wants to claim me. In 2019, I earned over $50,000 and I want use every available option to reduce my taxes. I assume the best option would be to claim myself.
- Since I never live with my father, can he claim me as a dependent because of the divorce agreement even though I never live with him?
- Are 529 distributions considered parental support, or can I use the distribution amount to say that I
provided more than 50% of my own support? All 529 distributions are made directly to me and
therefore the 1099-Q is in my name.
- Given the information above, is there any scenario where I could claim myself? If so, I would really
appreciate knowing all of the tax advantages I could get by claiming myself. If not, what advantage
would I get if I my parents do not claim me as a dependent, even though they could.
