Do I have to say I can be claimed a dependent if my parent does not plan on claiming me?

[LemonSquemon]

I made a little over 50k last year, and lived part time with my parents and part time with my boyfriend. I supported myself fully (paid for my car and car insurance, phone, loan repayments, living expenses, etc) and helped with bills but did not pay "rent". I most definitely paid for "more than half my support". I am 22 and was a full time student in 2017, I completed my bachelors degree in May of 2017. My dad COULD still claim me as a dependent as I'm under 24 and was a full time student, but I can get more money back if he doesn't claim me and I claim myself. Do I still have to say that that I can be claimed a dependent if I am not going to be claimed? Obviously we are trying to get the most money back but I don't want to do anything illegal or get us in trouble. The difference between if I say I can be claimed vs don't is $1000 in my pocket. Not sure what to do or if I should just consult a tax specialist. 

[JulieH1]

No.

If you are claiming yourself and no one else is planning to claim you then you do not need to answer "yes" that you can be claimed.

The IRS asks that question so it can cross reference returns to verify that you are not entered twice.  As long as your father does not claim you by entering your social security number on his forms, there is no problem.

If he uses TurboTax, make sure to tell him to delete you from his personal section.