@Ranchopaki - be aware that taxpayers certainly has the option to claim their children as a dependent or not.
HOWEVER, when that dependent fills out their tax return, the question to be answered on the form is CAN they be dependent on their parents tax return, not ARE they a dependent on their parent's tax return,
if they CAN be a dependent (whether the parents claim them or not), they are not eligible for the $1200.
So if you are 17-24 and CAN be a dependent, your parents can not get the $500 and you can not get the $1200. That is different than what you stated.
