Dependent one year and not the next

[Maximilian_]

Hi!
Can my parent not claim me as a dependent this year but do it the next??
I qualify to be claimed as a dependent for both years. I can be not claimed by my parents even if I qualify to be claimed as one, right?
Thanks!

[VolvoGirl]

Your last sentence doesn't make sense.  It's the other way around.  If you qualify as their dependent you have to say you CAN be claimed even if they don't claim you.  They should claim you, why aren't they?

[Maximilian_]

So, my parents are always obliged to claim me if I qualify as their dependent? There is not an option of not doing it?

[macuser_22]

Sure. Nothing requires a parent to claim a dependent, but if they CAN  claim the dependent then the person cannot claim them-self - that law does not allow that.   That is why there are two questions "CAN you be claimed by another tax payer?, and  WERE you claimed?

Yes to the first means you cannot claim yourself, no to the second might allow you to claim certain educational credits that usually only the person claiming you could claim.