topic My parents live overseas and are not US citizens, am I still a dependent if I am a US citizen, am under 24 years old, and am a full-time student? in Get your taxes done using TurboTax

My parents live overseas and are not US citizens, am I still a dependent if I am a US citizen, am under 24 years old, and am a full-time student?

celi560661 — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 07:06:42 GMT

I currently study in the US, and my parents support me financially.

Re: My parents live overseas and are not US citizens, am I still a dependent if I am a US citizen, am under 24 years old, and am a full-time student?

Bsch4477 — Mon, 21 Aug 2023 03:24:10 GMT

If your parents are not required to complete a U.S. tax return you are not their dependent.

Re: My parents live overseas and are not US citizens, am I still a dependent if I am a US citizen, am under 24 years old, and am a full-time student?

NCperson — Mon, 21 Aug 2023 12:21:14 GMT

@celi560661 what prompts the question?

if you are asking because of the American Opportunities Tax Credit (AOTC), you would not be eligible for the refundable portion of the credit which is worth up to $1000.

Re: My parents live overseas and are not US citizens, am I still a dependent if I am a US citizen, am under 24 years old, and am a full-time student?

Hal_Al — Mon, 21 Aug 2023 15:07:39 GMT

There's a new urban myth among college students that says they can get a $1000 from the government just for filing a tax form. For most of them, they simply aren't eligible. A full time unmarried student, under age 24, even if you don't qualify as a dependent, is only eligible for the refundable portion of the American Opportunity Credit if he supports himself by working. You cannot be supporting yourself on parental support, 529 plans or student loans & grants.

Reference: Line 7 instructions for form 8863. https://www.irs.gov/instructions/i8863

Generally, a Nonresident Alien cannot claim an education tax credit unless: You are married and choose to file a joint return with a U.S. citizen or resident spouse, or. You are a Dual-Status Alien and choose to be treated as a U.S. resident for the entire year.