Can I file my own tax return if my mom claims me as a dependent so I can obtain health insurance through her?

I am 19 and work full time(do not go to school) but my employer does not offer health insurance benefits so I was hoping to gain insurance through my mother. When I asked her about this she told me I would have to give her my W-2's so that she could claim me on her taxes. Doing so I feel like I would most likely get a lesser refund than if I filed my own return.

If she claims me as a dependent on her health insurance than am I able to file my own return? I pay all of my own bills except for my phone, otherwise I am completely independent.

P.S. my gross income will be approximately 27,000 by the end of 2017.

posted

She is wrong ... you are NOT her dependent if you are 19 and not a student. She cannot put your income on HER tax return ... you MUST file your own return.

You are allowed to be on her insurance until you turn 26 even if you are not a dependent ... have her talk to the insurance company or employer to be better educated.