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
New Member
posted Feb 27, 2021 5:00:13 PM

I am 22 year old college student and I live at home. Can I file as independent if my parents do not want to claim me as a dependent?

0 2 339
2 Replies
Level 15
Feb 27, 2021 5:08:05 PM

Strictly speaking, No.

In actual practice, don't check the box.

Level 15
Feb 27, 2021 5:10:02 PM

Under the CARES Act, if you are claimed, or qualify to be claimed, as a dependent on someone else’s 2019 return you cannot receive a stimulus check, in 2020.   If you qualified as a dependent for 2019, but will not be for 2020, you will most likely get it in 2021, when you file a 2020 tax return.

Note that the requirement is not just whether you are actually claimed as a dependent, it's whether you qualify to be claimed as a dependent.