My mom said I can't file my taxes because she claims me. And if I was to file my taxes she can get in trouble with the IRS. Can I file my taxes with no problem?

[DoninGA]

You filing a tax return as a dependent has no affect on her tax return.  This is done on millions of tax returns each year.

[Hallewell]

If you have income then you have to file.  One of the first questions asked is, "can anyone else claim you as a dependent on their form?"  This affects your refund.  If mother is not claiming you then your refund might be $1000.  If she is claiming you then your refund may drop to $200.  

[jimjoyce]

In the past, If you had income it is my understanding that you must file a tax return and you would claim no personal exceptions since your mother claims you. If you have a taxes withheld, you cannot get a refund without filing a tax return.  Now, a single taxpayer does not does not claim himself. So it appears that you must still file your tax return and claim a standard deduction, so you can earn up to $!3,850 tax free. However, I am not a tax expert, so go to a tax preparer and ask him that question.         

[Scorpion1]

Hi Donin ok so here is the deal,

If you have made, on a W2, 4999 or more, you will have to file no matter what, even if she claims you or not.

If you went to school, you can put your out of pocket Tuition expenses also, the only effect will be, your refund from IRS will be lowered once you have to answer YES to the question that says,'Have you been filed as a dependent on anyone else's Taxes?'

[JotikaT2]

Yes.

If your mom is claiming you as a dependent, you can still file your own return if you meet the filing requirements, but make sure you check the box stating you can be claimed as a dependent on someone else's return.

If you are a student, your mom will be the one who claims any education credits from a 1098-T.

Attached is additional information to help you determine if you need to file your own return.

Gross income amount for dependents

If you determine you do not have a filing requirement but had withholding on any wages, you may want to file to get a refund of those taxes paid in.

[DoninGA]

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@Scorpion1 wrote:

Hi Donin ok so here is the deal,

If you have made, on a W2, 4999 or more, you will have to file no matter what, even if she claims you or not.

If you went to school, you can put your out of pocket Tuition expenses also, the only effect will be, your refund from IRS will be lowered once you have to answer YES to the question that says,'Have you been filed as a dependent on anyone else's Taxes?'

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If you are being claimed as a dependent on someone's tax return, you cannot enter any education expenses on your tax return.  Those expenses are entered on the return of the person claiming you as a dependent.

As a dependent under the age of 65 you are required to file a tax return if any of the following apply -

1. Your unearned income was more than $1,100.
2. Your earned income was more than $12,200.
3. Your gross income was more than the larger of—
a. $1,100, or
b. Your earned income (up to $11,850) plus $350.

If you have self-employment income then you are required to file a tax return if the income from self-employment is $400 or more.

[Scorpion1]

I am sorry I confused the single Non dependent status with dependent one,  below is correct:

As a dependent under the age of 65 you are required to file a tax return if any of the following apply -

1. Your unearned income was more than $1,100.
2. Your earned income was more than $12,200.
3. Your gross income was more than the larger of—
a. $1,100, or
b. Your earned income (up to $11,850) plus $350.