Permission isn't needed to claim a dependent, but certain qualifications must be met for someone to be listed as a dependent on another person's tax return.
There are two types of dependents, generally. Qualifying children and qualifying relatives. Relative is a fairly loosely defined term.
Generally, to be a dependent of another person you must receive more than half of your support from this person, live with this person (or meet certain exceptions), and be related to the person.
You can learn more about who does (and doesn't) qualify as a dependent here: Rules for claiming a dependent on a tax return.
If you are not a dependent of another person, then you should prepare your tax return indicating this, and file it by mail (you will not be able to file electronically if your name and social security number have already been listed on another tax return that was filed electronically this tax year, there is no remedy for this.)
After the IRS process your paper tax return, they will send a request to you and any taxpayer(s) who listed you on the tax return requesting documentation of your dependent status and will make a determination of which return is the correct return.
The return that is determined to be incorrect will be adjusted. The adjustment may include an assessment of additional tax, interest, and penalties. If certain credits were claimed to which the taxpayer was not entitled, the taxpayer may also be barred from claiming those credits in the future for up to ten years.
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