Not sure what you mean by "file separately"----since you would never file a tax return "with" your parents. If you cannot be claimed as a dependent by your parent(s) then file your own tax return and say in MY INFO that no one else can claim you as a dependent.
If, in fact, you can still be claimed as a dependent by a parent (or anyone else) then in MY INFO you must say that someone else can claim you. You can still file a tax return of your own in order to seek a refund of tax withheld from your pay even if you can be claimed as a dependent.
The criteria your parents will use to determine if you can be claimed:
WHO CAN I CLAIM AS A DEPENDENT?
You can claim a child, relative, friend, or fiancé (etc.) as a dependent on your 2023 taxes as long as they meet the following requirements:
Qualifying child
- They're related to you.
- They aren't claimed as a dependent by someone else.
- They're a U.S. citizen, resident alien, national, or a Canadian or Mexican resident.
- They aren’t filing a joint return with their spouse.
- They're under the age of 19 (or 24 for full-time students).
- No age limit for permanently and totally disabled children.
- They lived with you for more than half the year (exceptions apply).
- They didn't provide more than half of their own support for the year.
Qualifying relative
- They don't have to be related to you (despite the name).
- They aren't claimed as a dependent by someone else.
- They're a U.S. citizen, resident alien, national, or a Canadian or Mexican resident.
- They aren’t filing a joint return with their spouse.
- They lived with you the entire year (exceptions apply).
- They made less than $4,700 in 2023.
- You provided more than half of their financial support.
When you add someone as a dependent, we'll ask a series of questions to make sure you can claim them. There may be other tax benefits you can get when you claim a dependent.
Related Information:
If you can be claimed as a dependent and you answer the question in My Info incorrectly, here is what happens if you e-file first: Your Social Security number goes into the IRS system as having been used. When your parents try to e-file, their e-file is rejected and they will find it impossible to e-file their own tax return. Then they will have to print, sign and mail their return and wait for months for it to be processed. You, meanwhile, will have to file an amended tax return on a special form called a 1040X, which also takes months for the IRS to process. So make sure you know the correct answer to "Can anyone claim you as a dependent on their tax return?"
**Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to offer the most correct information possible. The poster disclaims any legal responsibility for the accuracy of the information that is contained in this post.**
