My parent claimed me as dependent on their 2022 taxes and I plan on going to graduate school this fall which requires independent. Am I able to file 2022 with no problem?

[amarieon]

I never filed for 2022 because I was claimed as a dependent. I contacted graduate schools and they said I have to submit my own taxes for 2022. If I do that, will it affect my parent’s taxes or my own from 2022?

[DoninGA]

Since your parent's claimed you as a dependent on their 2022 tax return, when you file your 2022 tax return you Must indicate on the tax return that you can be claimed as a dependent.

[xmasbaby0]

First of all----did you have taxable income in 2022?   Do you have a W-2 or self-employment income for 2022?   If you made even $400 of self-employment income you are required to file a 2022 tax return.

You can still file a tax return of your own even if you can be claimed as someone else's dependent.   You just have to say on your own return that someone else can claim you.   You can seek a refund of federal and/or state tax that was withheld from your pay.

A 2022 return cannot be prepared using online TurboTax.   You need the CD/download on a full PC or Mac.  And the return has to be filed by mail.

CAN I FILE A RETURN IF I AM A DEPENDENT?

If you can be claimed as a dependent on your parents’ return, you can still file your own return so that you can receive a refund of taxes withheld.  Your W-2 will show federal tax withheld in box 2, and state tax withheld in box 17.  (You will not get back anything for Social Security or Medicare withheld.) Be sure that on your own return you say that you can be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s return.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/children-dependents/help/do-i-need-to-file-my-own-taxes-if-i-m-a-d...

  The current online program is for 2023 only.   Only a 2023 return can be prepared online and only a 2023 return can be e-filed.

Online preparation and e-filing for 2020, 2021, and  2022 is permanently closed.

To file a return for a prior tax year

 If you need to prepare a return for 2020, 2021, or 2022  you can purchase and download desktop software to do it, then print, sign,  and mail the return(s)

https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/past-years-products/

You may also want to explore purchasing the software from various retailers such as Amazon, Costco, Best Buy, Walmart, Sam’s, etc.

Remember to prepare your state return as well—if you live in a state that has a state income tax.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/state-taxes/help/how-do-i-contact-my-state-department-of-revenue/0... 

When you mail a tax return, you need to attach any documents showing tax withheld, such as your W-2’s or any 1099’s.  Use a mailing service that will track it, such as UPS or certified mail so you will know the IRS/state received the return.

Federal and state returns must be in separate envelopes and they are mailed to different addresses.  Read the mailing instructions that print with your tax return carefully so you mail them to the right addresses.

Note:  The desktop software you need to prepare the prior year return must be installed/downloaded to a full PC or Mac.  It cannot be used on a mobile device.

If you are getting a refund, there is not a penalty for filing past the deadline.  If you owe taxes, the interest/penalties will be calculated by the IRS based on how much you owe and when they receive your return and payment. The IRS will bill you for this; it will not be calculated by TurboTax.

And....I think you may be misunderstanding some things that were said to you.   The rule is that if you CAN be claimed as someone else's dependent, you must say on your own tax return that you can be claimed.  So much for the idea that the school says you are required to file as "independent."  Schools do not enact tax laws.  

You have not mentioned your age---and it is important.  Here is the criteria that determines whether your parents can claim you as a dependent:

WHO CAN I CLAIM AS A DEPENDENT?

You can claim a child, relative, friend, or fiancé (etc.) as a dependent on your 2022 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 $4,400 in 2022.    (for 2023 the amount is $4700)