What happens if you file as a Dependent, but do not get Claimed?

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@xmasbaby0 wrote:

Nothing happens.  The rule is that if you *can* be claimed as someone else's dependent, you must say you can be claimed--even if the person who could claim you does not.

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There is one possible exception to that.  Note that there are two questions in the interview "Can you be claimed" and "Were you actually claimed".

The only time that might make any difference at all is if you are a student and can claim certain educational credits yourself if the taxpayer that would have been able to claim those credits if they has claimed you, does not claim you.   (If you would not have qualified for any educational credits had you not been a dependent then it makes no difference  at all.)

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@GaryInSanDiego wrote:

From their perspective, if they qualify to claim you, then they would save money.

 

Since they did not claim you, I suggest you calculate your taxes again and consider filing an amended return.

 

It is likely that your standard deduction would be greater, and you will get some money back.

 

Note:  Dependents - If you can be claimed as a dependent by another taxpayer, your standard deduction for 2018 is limited to the greater of: (1) $1,050, or (2) your earned income plus $350 (but the total can't be more than the basic standard deduction for your filing status).

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That is not correct if the parents "can" claim the dependent.   That is what there are two questions "Can you be claimed" and "Were you actually claimed".  You are not allowed by tax law, to claim yourself if another taxpayer "can" claim you, even if that taxpayer does not actually claim you.  To pick and choose who claims a child to maximize tax benefits when the child "can" be claimed is considered tax fraud.