Can someone explain personal exemption? Can I still file and get a refund even though my parents claim me as a dependent? Taxes were rejected, please advise. Thank you!

[AnnetteB]

'Personal exemption' in the context of the 2018 tax return indicates whether you are being claimed as a dependent on another return.  Prior to the 2018 return, there was actual a tax benefit for claiming a personal exemption.

If you are being claimed as a dependent on your parents' return, then you need to indicate this on your own return or it will be rejected.  You can still file a return if you need to report income.  Whether or not you get a refund will depend on what you are reporting on your return. 

You would not qualify for an education credit as someone else's dependent.

[fanfare]

Go back to the Personal Info and mark "someone is claaiming me".