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Level 2
posted Feb 3, 2024 5:29:29 PM

Do I file as a dependent or independent?

I am 22. I was a full time student from January - May 2023 (Spring Semester). I started work on July 10th and received my first paycheck July 21st. Before August, all my expenses were paid for my my dad. August onwards, I paid for all my expenses myself. Also, the gross income I generated for the entire 2023 year was more than my entire expenses for the year (I didn't classify tuition as an expense since that was paid in full by FAFSA). Am I a classified as a dependent or independent and if I'm a dependent, can my dad claim me?

0 3 661
3 Replies
Level 15
Feb 3, 2024 5:32:06 PM

You qualify to be a dependent assuming that didn’t provide more than half of your support for the year. 

Level 15
Feb 3, 2024 5:32:34 PM

If you have paid for more than one-half of your own support for the year, then you cannot be claimed as a dependent under the Qualifying Child rules. 

Employee Tax Expert
Feb 5, 2024 6:13:53 AM

It depends.  You will need to figure out what was paid for your total support for the year and then what you paid into that total support.  If you paid more than 1/2 of your total support for the year you cannot be claimed as a dependent qualifying child.

 

According to Publication 501 total support "...includes amounts spent to provide food, lodging, clothing, education, medical and dental care, recreation, transportation, and similar necessities."

 

Also, scholarships are not included in amounts that you contributed to your support.

 

Publication 501 worksheet 2 may be helpful.