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New Member
posted May 31, 2019 10:25:10 PM

Our son can be claimed as a dependent but was not. Does he get the exemption on his return?

Our college son made 40K in 2016. We provided more than half of his support.  He can be claimed as a dependent but we choose not to so he can get the exemption on his return.  When I checked yes for he can be claimed as a dependent and no for he was claimed, TurboTax did not show he got the exemption.  Is it because if someone can claim you then no matter he actually does claim you or not, you do not get the exemption on your return?

0 3 557
3 Replies
Level 15
May 31, 2019 10:25:12 PM

 Is it because if someone can claim you then no matter he actually does claim you or not, you do not get the exemption on your return? 

Exactly ... those are the rules.   But at 40K are you sure he isn't self supporting ? 

New Member
May 31, 2019 10:25:13 PM

He did not spend much, but since his tuition and room and board were paid by the 529 Plan we contributed to, I'd think that's more than half of cost of "supporting" him in 2016.

Level 15
May 31, 2019 10:25:15 PM

No, the 529 plan is his contribution to his own support ... that was his plan even if you put money in it.