you are not independent, if your parents could claim you as a dependent but don't. it would help to know why you say they can't claim you
You could be claimed as a qualifying child if all these tests are met
• You have the same principal abode as the other party for more than ½ the tax year. Temporary absences like for school are ignored
• If not a full-time student (any part of any 5 months – in a letter ruling the IRS allowed the month the student registered even though classes didn’t start until the next month), you’re under 19 at the end of the tax year. If a full-time student under 24 at end of tax year.
• you haven't provided over ½ your own support
• you didn't file a joint return unless there was no tax liability but merely filing joint to facilitate refund of taxes withheld or estimates paid
Or as you could be a qualifying relative if all these tests are met
You’re related to the other person or, if not, lived with the other party for the entire year and
• your gross income for 2024 less than $5,050
• the other party provided over ½ your support
• you aren't a qualifying child of another taxpayer
