If someone else can claim you as a dependent, then you cannot claim a personal exemption on your return. The rule applies even if the other person does not actually claim you. Therefore, you will still have to indicate so on your tax return.
If could be claimed as a dependent under the Qualifying Relative rules, then you fit the below criteria:
- Taxpayer doesn't have to be related to you (despite the name).
- Taxpayer isn't claimed as a dependent by someone else.
- Taxpayer is a U.S. citizen, resident alien, national, or a Canadian or Mexican resident.
- Taxpayer isn't filing a joint return with their spouse.
- Taxpayer lived with you the entire year.
- Taxpayer made less than $4,300 in 2020.
- Taxpayer did not provide more than half of their financial support.
Mostly all of the above requirements could be easily verified by IRS records or the information you put on your return. It is always best to follow the guidelines (rather than whether or not the IRS will question your return in the future) to determine how you complete your return.
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