topic Filing as independent in Get your taxes done using TurboTax

Filing as independent

Bib123 — Mon, 10 Feb 2020 19:00:18 GMT

Hi! I just have a quick question. For the last couple of years That I’ve been filing my taxes, my parents have been able to claim me. However, I’m turning 24 in June of this year and I hadnt attended school at all last calendar year. I was wondering if my parents are still able to claim or can I file as an independent this year.
thank you

Re: Filing as independent

RobertG — Mon, 10 Feb 2020 19:24:07 GMT

Based on the information you provided, it sounds like you could not be claimed as a qualifying child, since you are over 19 and not a full time student.

But you may qualify to be claimed as a qualifying relative, depending on your income. Here are the requirements:

You can claim a child as a dependent on your 2019 taxes as long as they meet the following requirements:

Qualifying child

They're related to you.
They aren't claimed as a dependent by someone else.
They're a U.S. citizen, resident alien, national, or a Canadian or Mexican resident.
They aren’t filing a joint return with their spouse.
They're under the age of 19 (or 24 for full-time students).
- No age limit for permanently and totally disabled children.
They lived with you for more than half the year (exceptions apply).
They didn't provide more than half of their own support for the year.

Qualifying relative

They don't have to be related to you (despite the name).
They aren't claimed as a dependent by someone else.
They're a U.S. citizen, resident alien, national, or a Canadian or Mexican resident.
They aren’t filing a joint return with their spouse.
They lived with you the entire year.
They made less than $4,200 in 2019.
You provided more than half of their financial support.

For further information please see the TurboTax website: Who can I claim as my dependent?

Re: Filing as independent

Bib123 — Mon, 10 Feb 2020 19:40:52 GMT

Thank you so much for the answer. I’ve been trying to figure it all out for a while now. Also, does it matter that my parents are still paying back bank loans Which they had taken out for my previous college years? Does that change the situation? Again, I’m not a full time student. I did not attend in 2018 at all...thank you so much!

Re: Filing as independent

JulieS — Mon, 10 Feb 2020 19:54:05 GMT

It comes down to who pays more than 50% of your total support for the year.

If that is you no one else can claim you as a dependent. If your parents are paying more than 50%, they may be able to claim you as a dependent (see the information in the previous post).

You should count the loan payments they made as part of your total support along with housing, medical, vehicle costs, clothing, food, etc.