Should I check the box "someone can claim me as a dependent"?

[racinggold]

My parents are not claiming me as a dependent even though I believe I qualify to be one (most of my support during the 2020 year came from loans in their name, parent plus loans). We agreed that I should leave that box unchecked (claim as independent) since it will help me more than it helps them if they claim me as a dependent. However, before I file I just wanted to make sure if this is O.K.

If it isn't and I check the box, and I don't get claimed by my parents will the IRS reject my parents filing or is everything good?

[DavidD66 · Accepted solution]

The rule is that if someone "can" claim you as a dependent, you must check the box.  It is not, did or will someone claim you as a dependent.  There is nothing that requires your parents to claim you as a dependent if you qualify, they will just be giving up a $500 credit (potentially).  If you don't qualify as a dependent and you file without checking the box, then you will receive the stimulus payments in the form of the Recovery Rebate Credit.  To see if you qualify as a dependent, use the IRS interactive tool:

Whom May I Claim as a Dependent? 

[racinggold]

Thank you for the help. If they don't claim me as a dependent, would the IRS reject their filing? Would like for this to be as seamless as possible. They sternly told me not to claim myself as a dependent since we already completed the taxes and they don't want to do that part again, but I don't want to break the rules.

[racinggold]

Also, the majority of my 2020 expenses were paid for by student loans (of which 80% are parent plus loans) would that mean they provided 50%+ of my support? It wasn't entirely clear. That is all my questions, thanks for your help.

[CatinaT1]

The IRS will not reject a return for not claiming a dependent.  If they claimed you, you will want to check the box that you were claimed as a dependent.