A dependent in 2018 but not in 2019

[ari_ari]

I'm an adult and I was listed as a dependent of my parents all the way up to 2018.

In 2019 I started working and was not a dependent anymore, however I have not made enough to be required to file for 2019 taxes.

Even thought my parents make less than $12,000 and are not required to file, they still filed for 2018 with me as a dependant.

In 2019 they decided to not file since they are below the required income to file. 

How can I make sure that I get my full $1,200 stimulus cheque, since the IRS doesn't know I am independent yet?

Should my parents and I file now, separately, for 2019? Or should we separately fill in the "non-filers form" in the IRS website before the May 5 deadline?

[bluedeb · Accepted solution]

In order for you to get the Stimulus money for 2019 you would need to file a 2019 return.  If you are not required to file a normal 2019 return, then yes you would use the Non-Filers form on the IRS website.

The IRS will use your parents 2018 return for information about their stimulus if they do not file a 2019 return,  if they also are not required to file a normal 2019 return, then they can also file a Non-Filers form for themselves.

[ari_ari]

Thanks a mill for the answer! 

So just to understand a bit more clearly, if I have never filed for taxes independently, and if I fill in a "non-filers form" the IRS would know that I was no longer a dependent in 2019, even if my parents didn't file 2019 but listed me as a dependent in 2018?

[bluedeb · Accepted solution]

Yes, you need to file a 2019 return in order for the IRS to know you are no longer a dependent.  Your parents don't necessarily need to file a 2019 return.