There may be another explanation for TutboTax (TT) giving your the EIC
There is a special rule that doesn't come up very often. A parent qualifies for the EIC, even if the child is self supporting. You say "The dad prepared tax return in turbotax, and he choose did not support the boy more than 6 months". I believe the exact wording of the question is "Did (Child's name) pay for more than half his living expenses". If you answer yes to that question, but also indicate that:
- the child is under 19 (or a full time student under 24)
- the child lived with you more than half the year
- The child is a properly related child
then TT is correctly giving you the EIC, even though he does not qualify as your dependent. So, your friend is correct, it could meet all tests.
BUT, from what you describe, your son did not provide more than half his own support for the year (you supported him for 8 months and he made less than $10K). The proper way is for you to claim him as a dependent, and get the $500 other dependent credit, as well as the EIC.
