if you are sure your mother can't claim you as a dependent - either qualifying child or relative
You could be claimed as a qualifying child if all these tests are met
• You have the same principal abode as the other party for more than ½ the tax year. Temporary absences like for school are ignored
• If not a full-time student, you’re under 19 at the end of the tax year. If a full-time student under 24 at end of tax year.
• you haven't provided over ½ your own support
• you didn't file a joint return unless there was no tax liability but merely filing joint to facilitate refund of taxes withheld or estimates paid
Or as you could be a qualifying relative if all these test are met
You’re related to the other person or, if not, lived with the other party for the entire year and
• your gross income for 2020 less than $4,300
• the other party provided over ½ your support
• you aren't a qualifying child of another taxpayer
do you have to file?
if you can claim yourself then you have to file if your gross income is over $12,400
if your mother can claim you (doesn't matter whether she does)
You must file a return if any of the following apply.
• Your unearned income was over $1,100.
• Your earned income was over $12,400.
• Your gross income was more than the larger of—
• $1,100, or
• Your earned income (up to $12,050) plus $350.
if you can claim yourself then you must print and mail (use a service where you get proof of delivery)
if you can't then change your return to reflect this and then try e-filing. if e-filing doesn't work you'll have to print and mail.
