California vs. Federal Dependent

[TaxSaver101]

If I claim my dependent on my California tax returns but not my federal tax returns, does my dependent need to check the box "Another tax payer can claim you on their tax return" on TurboTax 2024? 

Also, as a corollary question, in what situations would a dependent be claimed on California tax return but not federal tax return? 

The reason for my questiond is that California allows a person to claim a dependent even if that dependent is not claimed as dependent on federal tax returns. 

[Bsch4477]

That situation usually only applies when the parents earn too much to get the American Opportunity Credit for education so they allow the child to get it. The student checks the box on the federal return saying someone can claim them and then checks the box saying that no one will claim them. 

To claim the student on the California return:
Go to the "State Interview" page.  That page says "Your 2024 taxes are ready for us to check".  There is then a "General Info" area with an edit button.  After a couple of screens, that one gets you to the "Do you have a dependent you didn't claim on your federal return" page. 

[TaxSaver101]

Thank you. If my dependent selects the "someone can claim them" and then checks the box "no one will claim them", does my dependent lose the American Opportunity Credit? Also, would they lose any other credits or deductions?

In general, does the checkbox for "someone can claim them" on TurboTax refer to someone can claim them on federal return, state return, or either?

[Bsch4477]

Checking no one will claim him makes him eligible for the AOC. But he would only be eligible for the non refundable credit. So if he has no tax liability the credit would not help him. 

Checking that he will be claimed as a dependent applies to federal and state returns unless the change is made in the state program as previously mentioned.