Q. So, if I understand this correctly, this will be the last year that he can be claimed as a dependent unless he goes to college?
A. Yes.
Q. Also, we do not add his W-2 to our income, correct?
A. Yes.
A. Should he also file taxes?
A. Yes. He checks the box on form 1040 that says he can be claimed as a dependent by someone else. TurboTax will ask that question, in the personal info section.
Q. But he claims 0 exemptions, right?
A. Not exactly. Exemptions were eliminated in 2018. He just checks the box on form 1040.
With the tax law change, effective 2018, most student-dependents will get the same refund whether they claim themselves or not. The personal exemption has been eliminated and the standard deduction increased, for wage earners.
