First you cannot just claim independent just because you want to ... if you CAN be claimed as a dependent you MUST indicate that on the return even if they will NOT be claiming you.
However if you can no longer be claimed as a dependent then on the 2021 return you can apply for the third stimulus payment when you file the 2021 return next year. The first 2 stimulus payments were a credit on the 2020 return only.
WHO CAN I CLAIM AS A DEPENDENT?
You can claim a child, relative, friend, fiance (etc.) as a dependent on your 2020 taxes as long as they meet the following requirements:
Qualifying child
•They are related to you.
•They cannot be claimed as a dependent by someone else.
•They are a U.S. citizen, resident alien, national, or a Canadian or Mexican resident.
•They are not filing a joint return with their spouse.
•They are under the age of 19 (or 24 for full-time students).
- No age limit for permanently and totally disabled children
- • They live with you for more than half the year (exceptions apply).
Qualifying relative
•They don't have to be related to you (despite the name).
•They cannot be claimed as a dependent by someone else.
•They are a U.S. citizen, resident alien, national, or a Canadian or Mexican resident.
•They are not filing a joint return with their spouse.
•They lived with you the entire year.
•They made less than $4300 (not counting Social Security)
•You provided more than half of their financial support. More info
When you add someone as a dependent, we'll ask a series of questions to make sure you can claim them.
Related Information:
•Does a dependent have to live with me?
•What does "financially support another person" mean?
