I don't really understand how dependents work, and am a bit confused as to whether or not I am a dependent. I known my one of my parents claimed me this past tax round, but can they this year? I read on another post it depends on where you live, and how much they pay for you, but my case has me confused. Here are some stats about me:
- 20 years old
- Full time college student at an instate school.
- Full ride scholarship from the school. Pays for housing, books, food, tuition, and other stuff.
- Health insurance is through the school's student health insurance, not my parents. Either the scholarship or my parent would pay for it, we haven't decided yet.
- I work part time in the summer and make under $5000 a year.
- Last year I lived at school from August to May in a dorm and lived at home over the summer. This year I will live in university owned apartments that are on "off campus" territory and paid for with my scholarship. Still from August to May, but I'm not sure what I'm doing in the summer. I will either go home, or rent an apartment.
So I guess my confusion is around the interpretation of what my parents provide. Technically they don't pay for 50% of my living expenses, but neither do I. I don't live with them for 50% of the year, but I also don't live in a space I pay for.
