If you are a dependent and your parents are paying more than 50% of the cost of your living and expenses then they should be claiming you as a dependent. They should also be taking the education credits - even though the 1098 has your name on it - on their tax return.
If you are paying for everything in your own world and you are over 19 and not living at home then you should be claiming yourself on your taxes. You should discuss with your parents changing their return to remove you as a dependent and otherwise you can mail in a tax return that claims yourself and the education credits.
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