turbotax icon
cancel
Showing results for 
Search instead for 
Did you mean: 
Announcements
Close icon
Do you have a TurboTax Online account?

We'll help you get started or pick up where you left off.

ghost2452
New Member

Is it better for me to claim myself as a dependent or my parents?

I live with my mother and I am 20 years old. I'm not sure if she can even claim me.
x
Do you have an Intuit account?

Do you have an Intuit account?

You'll need to sign in or create an account to connect with an expert.

1 Reply
Hal_Al
Level 15

Is it better for me to claim myself as a dependent or my parents?

It's not optional.

There is a rule that says IF somebody else CAN claim you as a dependent, you are not allowed to claim your own exemption. If you have sufficient income (usually more than $6300), you can & should still file taxes; you just doesn’t get your own $4050 exemption (deduction). In TurboTax, you indicate that somebody else can claim you as a dependent, at the personal information section.  

Even if you had less, you are allowed to file if you need to get back income tax withholding. You cannot get back social security or Medicare tax withholding.

Since you are over 18, you parents can only claim you if you were a full time student OR your income was less than $4050.

For full rules see https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tools/tax-tips/Family/Rules-for-Claiming-a-Dependent-on-Your-Tax-Ret...

message box icon

Get more help

Ask questions and learn more about your taxes and finances.

Post your Question