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Level 1
June 1, 2019
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Question about dependent status and maximizing return for older student

  • June 1, 2019
  • 2 replies
  • 23 views

Hi,

I'll be 26 in Jan. 2017. I'm a full time student in a graduate level program and currently living at home with my dad. I pay for all my other expenses besides housing. For 2016 my income will probably come in around $5800 - $6000. My dad wants to claim me as a dependent but I want to know

1. if he can claim me because I'm older than 24 and 

2. whether my benefits will be maximized if I let him claim me as a dependent or if I file independently.

Thanks!

    Best answer by DoninGA

    He cannot claim you as dependent.  You are older than 23 and your income for 2016 is $4,050 or more.

    • Under the Qualifying Child rules you must be under the age of 24 and a full time student.
    • Under the Qualifying Relative rules you must have gross income of less than $4,050 for 2016.

    2 replies

    DoninGA
    Level 15
    DoninGALevel 15Answer
    Level 15
    June 1, 2019

    He cannot claim you as dependent.  You are older than 23 and your income for 2016 is $4,050 or more.

    • Under the Qualifying Child rules you must be under the age of 24 and a full time student.
    • Under the Qualifying Relative rules you must have gross income of less than $4,050 for 2016.
    Alumni - Champ
    June 1, 2019
    And you cannot just decide to "let" him claim you anyway.