Unsure on "Did you support yourself in 2016?"

[jfkovnesky]

I am not sure if I paid for more than half of my living expenses with earned income to answer yes or no on the question "Did you support yourself in 2016?"

Background: I am 22 year old who graduated college in May 2016 and began working full-time as a teacher in fall 2016, only receiving a little less than half of my full time salary for the 2016-2017 school year at eoy 2016. Prior to that, I worked two part time jobs. I have lived at home with my parents all of 2016, paying no rent. The only expenses I have paid for are car-related, and now, as of the end of year, student loans and healthcare now that I have my own insurance.

I will not be claimed as a dependent on my parent's return as I have an HSA with my new job and therefore no longer qualify. Otherwise, I would have met the eligibility to claimed as a dependent in 2016.

[krz10]

Your living expenses typically are rent/housing, utilities, food, and car. Since you were living rent free technically there isn't anything in that column. Your parents probably get the numbers for utilities and probably 3/4 of your food assuming some of the money from your part time job went to eating out occaisionally. If you paid for your car expenses then it sounds to me like you paid half. Especially if they can't claim you as a dependant.