Yes. There is a rule that says IF somebody else CAN claim you as a dependent, you are not allowed to claim yourself. If you have sufficient income (usually more than $12,400), you can & should still file taxes; you just check the box on form 1040 that says someone can claim you as a dependent . In TurboTax, you indicate that somebody else can claim you as a dependent, at the personal information section.
Even if you had less, you are allowed to file if you need to get back income tax withholding. You cannot get back social security or Medicare tax withholding.
A dependent must file a tax return for 2020 if he had any of the following:
- Total income (wages, salaries, taxable scholarship etc.) of more than $12,400 (2020).
- Unearned income (interest, dividends, capital gains, unemployment) of more than $1100.
- Unearned income over $350 and gross income of more than $1100
- Household employee income (e.g. baby sitting, lawn mowing) over $2100 ($12,400 if under age 18)
- Other self employment income over $432, including money on a form 1099-NEC
