Why sign in to the Community?

  • Submit a question
  • Check your notifications
Sign in to the Community or Sign in to TurboTax and start working on your taxes
Returning Member
posted May 26, 2020 10:57:11 PM

Do I claim as dependent or independent?

I am a US citizen, but my parents live abroad and they are not US citizens. They do help me out financially, however, I have an income too. When filing for taxes do I claim to be dependent or independent? I am scared if I claim as independent, they will notice that my expenses don't add up with my income.

 

Thanks!

0 1 525
1 Replies
Level 15
May 27, 2020 8:25:31 AM

The rules to be claimed as a dependent for tax purposes are contained in publication 501.  

I believe the question on the tax return is worded “can another US taxpayer claim you as a dependent” which is probably “no” unless they have US-sources income and file a non-resident return.  

Also, you can’t be claimed as a dependent by parents you don’t live with if your taxable income is more than $4200.  (The conditions are different if you did live with your parents.)

 

so odds are, you can’t be claimed as a dependent and don’t have to check the box.