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New Member
posted Jun 5, 2019 5:54:39 PM

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.

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1 Replies
Level 15
Jun 5, 2019 5:54:40 PM

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-Return/INF12139.html