My 17 year old made $16,000 last year and as a result owes about 1900 in taxes. Can I file taxes without him as a dependent so he can lower his tax obligation?

[jp2134]

Yes I would lose the 500 credit, but I believe he wouldn't owe anything if I do that.  Is that allowable?

[ColeenD3]

You can choose not to claim him, but that does not mean that he is not a dependent in the eyes of the IRS. If he meets the qualifications, then he is not entitled to claim his own exemptions.

Qualifying Child

Relationship — the taxpayer’s child or stepchild (whether by blood or adoption), foster child, sibling or step-sibling, or a descendant of one of these.

Residence — has the same principal residence as the taxpayer for more than half the tax year. Exceptions apply, in certain cases, for children of divorced or separated parents, kidnapped children, temporary absences, and for children who were born or died during the year.

Age — must be under the age of 19 at the end of the tax year, or under the age of 24 if a full-time student for at least five months of the year, or be permanently and totally disabled at any time during the year.

Support — did not provide more than one-half of his/her own support for the year.

[jp2134]

Thank you for your response.  This is a little concerning as I just spoke to a Turbo Tax specialist who told me the complete opposite.

Now I am really confused.....

[macuser_22]

There are two boxes on the child's personal information section. 1) CAN you be a dependent that must be checked if another tax payer could claim you even if they did not actually claim.

And 2) WERE you claimed by that tax payer.?

Yes to 1 and no to 2 does NOT allow the child to claim himself, but does allow him to claim certain educational credits that normally can only be claimed by the taxpayer that CAN claim him.

For a 17 year old it makes not difference how much he earns as long as he does not pay more then half of his own support which includes food, housing (fair market rental value) and other items of support.   His money that goes into a bank is not support.

[VolvoGirl]

Did he get a W2 or 1099NEC or 1099Misc?  How do you figure he owes 1900?  For W2 income he only owes tax on the amount over the Standard Deduction of 12,400 so only 4,000 is taxable.  If he got a 1099NEC or 1099Misc for self employment income he will still owe the self employment tax either way.  Oh, are you thinking because if he claims himself he will get

the Stimulus payment 1200+600?