As you start working and making money, you are supporting yourself through your life and education. It's inevitable, and everyone goes through it. But it does look different for everyone.
You may be living with your parents, or your parents may be paying for college. Or your parents may be giving you money to help with your living expenses. Or perhaps your parents don’t give you any money at all. Read more about our thoughts about when you should and shouldn’t accept money your parents.
However, if you make money, you have to file your own 1040 income tax return. Then you get to the question that all online tax software asks: can I be claimed as a dependent on my parent’s tax return? And you think to yourself, I make my own money, they can’t claim me on their tax return! Your parents may have a different idea, and you both may end up getting a letter from the IRS as a result.
This little box on your tax return raises so many questions:
CAN your parents claim you as a dependent on their tax returns? Especially if you have a part-time or full-time job? What if you live away from home?
Let's break this down and see when they can claim you as a dependent and when they can't, and what you can do about it if having a discussion about money with your parents is a no-go.
First, you need to find out if you qualify to be claimed as a dependent.
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Who Qualifies As A Dependent?
The IRS rules provide that there are really two types of dependents:
- a qualifying child
- a qualifying relative
Each type of dependent is subject to different rules, but the purpose of this article is to help you determine if you are a qualifying child. Your dependent status is especially important if you either earn your own money, or you are enrolled in school full time.
- Are you a citizen or resident?
You must be a U.S. citizen, a U.S. national, a U.S. resident, or a resident of Canada or Mexico.
- Is someone else already claiming you as a dependent?
Your parents can’t claim you as a dependent if you rightfully claim yourself (by taking your personal exemption), or if someone else claims you as a dependent (another parent if your parents are divorced, or another person).
- Are you filing a joint return?
You cannot claim someone who is married and files a joint tax return. If you are married, and you file a joint return with your spouse, your parents cannot claim you as a dependent.
Qualifying Child
In addition to the qualifications above, to claim an exemption for a dependent child, the parents must be able to answer "yes" to all of the following questions.
- Relationship Test
Any of these relationships, including biological parents, are considered as qualifying relatives for the purpose of claiming a child as a dependent. The child must be their son, daughter, stepchild, eligible foster child, brother, sister, half brother, half sister, stepbrother, stepsister, adopted child or an offspring of any of them.
- Age Test:
You must be under the age of 19 for your parents to claim you as a dependent. However, if you are a full-time student, you must be under age 24 in order for your parents to claim you as a dependent. If you are totally and permanently disabled, there is no age limit for your parents to claim you as a dependent.
- Do you live with your parents?
You must live with your parents for more than half the year, with some exceptions.
- Do your parents provide more than half of your financially?
Your job cannot provide more than half of your support.
- Are you being claimed as a dependent by someone other than your parents?
This is a common issue for children of divorced parents. Here you must use the “tie breaker rules,” which are found in Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Publication 501. These rules establish income, parentage and residency requirements for claiming a child.
Other Rules
If you are over the age of 19, and not a full time student, then your parents cannot claim you as a dependent.
There is no age limit for parents to claim their child if that child that is permanently and totally disabled.
If you are under the age of 24 and a full time student, your parents can claim you if you are enrolled as a full time student at an accredited institution, AND your parents provide more than 50% of your support.
Scholarships or grants received by the student do not count as the student providing their own support. If you did not provide 50% of your support, then you must select the option for "I can be claimed on someone else's return" even if your parents do not claim you. The IRS has a worksheet that will help you determine who provides more than 50% of the support.
Do your parents pay for your college? Do you think your parents should pay for your college? Click here to review the pros and cons of parents paying for college.
What If More Than One Person Is Supporting Me?
If your parents are divorced or separated, you will be a qualifying child of one of your parents. If you don’t meet the requirements of being a qualifying child for either parent, chances are, you can still be a qualifying relative.
In a nutshell, a child will be treated as being the qualifying relative of his or her noncustodial parent if all four of the following statements are true.
- Your parents are legally separated under a divorce decree or separate maintenance decree, or written separation agreement, or they lived apart at all times during the last 6 months of the year where they were not married.
- You received over half your support from your parents.
- You were in the custody of one or both parents for more than half the year.
- The custodial parent signs a written declaration promising not to claim the child for that year, and the noncustodial parent attaches the written declaration to his or her return.
There are special rules for divorce decrees categorized by the year of the divorce decree. For more information and specific terms, click here.
In the case of Multiple Support Agreements, two or more people combined provide for more than half a person’s support. When this happens, you can agree that any one of those people who provides more than 10% of the support can claim the child as a qualifying relative, and the person claiming the dependent must attach a multiple support declaration to their tax return.
Letting Your Parents Claim You As A Dependent Child on Their Tax Return
Once your parents claim you as a dependent on their tax return, your parents will also claim all scholarships, grants, tuition payments, and your 1098-T on their tax return.
In addition, your parents will also be able to claim all eligible educational tax credits.
What You Must Do If Your Parents Can Claim You As a Dependent:
If you earned income, but your parents still qualify to claim you as a dependent, all you have to do is select the option for “I can be claimed on someone else’s return”.
Tax Advantages for Parents Claiming You on Their Tax Return
Parents will qualify for educational credits that students potentially cannot get on their own. If your parents meet the requirements to claim you, let them! If your parents meet the requirements, but choose not to claim you, then you still have to select the option for “I can be claimed on someone else’s return” when you file your tax return.
Your parents may also be eligible for the child tax credit and the earned-income tax credit, which can result in a sizable refund or substantial tax savings.
What To Do if You Or Your Parents Made Tax Return Errors
It's sadly very common that adult children and parents don't talk - especially about money and taxes. So, what happens if your parents claimed you on their taxes and you filed for yourself? Here are the tax consequences you and your parents will face if either of you make a mistake.
First, you will both get a notice from the IRS and will need to respond with the proper documentation. If you claimed yourself, and your parents claimed you, one of you has to make the correction to the tax return. After that return is processed, the other party may file their return next.
If you file your tax return before your parents file their tax returns, their return will get rejected for the dependent exemption. If your parents file before you file your return, then your return may get rejected for claiming the self-exemption.
If either the parents or child can prove that the other party wrongfully claimed the exemption, the party proven wrong may be subject to an audit.
In 99.5% of situations, it's easier to have a simple conversation up front than have to deal with it via the IRS.
Final Thoughts
Remember, even if you want to claim the self-exemption on your tax return, you will want to go through the tests discussed above to ensure that you qualify to claim yourself, and you will also want to evaluate the tax advantages of your parents claiming you as a dependent.
The most important lesson here is that you and your parents should be on the same page, otherwise, you and your parents will have to answer to the IRS.
Haley says
I’m 18 gonna be turning 19 In July. My mother is living in another state and not taking care of me. My boyfriend is paying for 100% of my living expenses since I’m a senior in highschool still. I tried talking to her about it and she threw a fit and said “I can claim you as long as I want.” At this point I’m over it and just need advice. Can he claim me? Or can she?
Robert Farrington says
You need to follow the tests above to determine if your mother can claim you. From the little you’ve described here, she might not be able to. You could benefit from speaking to a tax professional. If you don’t believe she should, you can always file your return appropriately. However, it’s always best to work it out with your mother than with the IRS.
Liz says
File as an independent, and even if your mother claims you, that’s a red flag for the IRS. Also try to file early, or before your mother does that way you will get your full refund and she will be flagged by the IRS for claiming you when you already claimed yourself.
Al says
I’m 25 right now in the US, and my parents live in Mexico. For the whole of 2017, I am a graduate student part time and studying for a licence exam while my parents send me pocket money for living expenses and rent. Would I have to file a tax return for 2017? Thank you very much.
Robert Farrington says
You should always file a tax return.
maries says
I am 17 and I turned my W-4 and as a dependent on accident, can I still make any changes so that my parents can claim me for taxes?
Robert Farrington says
Your W4 doesn’t matter at all. You can change that as many times as you want (although you may annoy your employer). What really matters is the tax return you file.
Ren says
My mother decided to file my taxes without my permission, didn’t even bother to mention it either. She didn’t provide any evidence of me working/what I made. I fear that if I do go and file my taxes I won’t be allowed or anything. I still live with her however I provide all my food/clothing/med/etc. She doesn’t support me financially or otherwise. What can I do?
Robert Farrington says
Read the article – you can still file your taxes and let the IRS sort it out, or have that discussion with your mother.
isaiah says
I joined the military in may of 2017. My parents decided to claim me even tho i quit living with them in feb. I took care of myself since feb 17. They still claimed me on their tax return. I doubt they’ll change it if I ask them to because they are pretty greedy people. I filed mine and it said i was already claimed. How can I get this issued resolved through the IRS?
Robert Farrington says
Did you eFile and it wouldn’t let you? If so, you would need to mail the return to the IRS.
Sherien says
hello i have a Question for you. i’m 24 years and my father still my household because i didn’t work at all. and now i need a letter from the IRS that indicate that i wasn’t file the taxes because i didn’t work. do you know how can i get it? because i do a lot of search in the IRS website but i can’t find any thing.
Robert Farrington says
I’m not quite sure what you mean. The IRS doesn’t provide you a letter if you didn’t work.
McKenna says
If my parent claims me, and I file a tax return with that checked box, will I still receive a potential refund if they claim my education credits? I am a full time student living away from home and I’m not exactly sure how much (percentage wise) I support myself versus my parents. I have student loans and scholarships that have paid for a large portion of my schooling and some personal support expenses.
Robert Farrington says
There isn’t enough information here to help you. The IRS has an interactive tool to see if you qualify as a dependent or not: https://www.irs.gov/help/ita/whom-may-i-claim-as-a-dependent
However, the best course of action is to speak with your parents.
Sarah says
My sister is 20 years old has a part-time job and is not in school and still lives at home with the parents they do pay for things for her but not everything I don’t know the exact percentage of how much they pay but I feel like they shouldn’t be able to claim her but I’m not sure
Robert Farrington says
Sounds like they SHOULD be able to. A part time job, no school, still living at home… definitely not independent.
Rebecca says
But can they claim her if she is 20 years old and not in school?
Robert Farrington says
Yes, most likely if they provide most of her support (including housing). However, the best thing to do is speak to your parents and a tax professional with concerns.
Raileen says
Parents want to claim me. I’m a 23 year old part time working student who lives at home but comes out of pocket for all expenses including car, medical, etc. Will they be able to claim me as a dependent on their taxes??
Robert Farrington says
Likely they can claim you (they cover your living expenses, you only work part time). However, this is something you should speak to them about and work out together as a family.
Yvonne says
My son was a senior in high school last year, so I claimed him as a dependent. He earned 312.00 and there were no federal taxes taken out of his check, so no refund. Does he still need to file a tax return?
Robert Farrington says
No.
The IRS sets a tax filing threshold each year for how much income you can make before you’re required to file a tax return. These vary by filing status, but all are significantly larger than $312. For example, for the 2017 tax year, you can make up to $10,400 if you’re single and under the age of 65 and up to $11,950 if you’re aged 65 or above before you must file taxes.
For dependents, you must file if your unearned income exceeds $1,050, your minimum earned income exceeds $6,350 or your total income exceeds the larger of $1,050 or your earned income plus $350.
Helen Wright says
Okay, that last part confused me. My daughter made$ 6185 with the National Guard. She is a full time college student and I pay most of her expenses after scholarships. I l claimed her as a dependent for 2017 . Does she need to file? She paid $618 in federal taxes in 2017. She was told she would get that back by someone. Thank you!
Robert Farrington says
Yes she should still file a return as a dependent. She will likely get a refund.
megan says
I work full time and pay for all of my bills (car, car insurance, phone, invisalign) with my own income and my mom claimed me as a dependent on her taxes without me knowing and before I was able to file mine. I am filing through TurboTax app and I noticed when I select that no one else can claim me it said I get a state and federal return but when I say someone else claimed me it says I owe a big amount. Why is that and what can I do?
megan says
I forgot to mention she says she can claim me because even tho I am financially independent, I still live under her roof but i am only 21 and not a full time student so I don’t understand how she is able to claim me
Robert Farrington says
If you live with her, how are you financially independent? It sounds like she is covering your housing costs, utilities, likely food, and more?
Robert Farrington says
Well, you need to speak with her about whether you are her dependent or not. It sounds like you still live at home, and that’s a big part of it. Do you pay her rent? Do you have renters insurance? Do you cover your share of the utilities, food, etc. Does she provide nothing for you?
I’m not saying you’re right or wrong, and you can totally file and let the IRS sort it out, but the best thing to do is really think about your situation and discuss it with your mom.
3901GW says
I live on campus for 8 out of the 12 months of the year. My parents do not pay for any of my tuition and their names are not on any of my student loans. I do not come home on the weekend and they do not offer money to me for food, clothing, etc. They do however pay my phone bill, health and car insurance. We are fighting because i filed independently because I do make my own money. Can they claim me as a dependent?
Robert Farrington says
It doesn’t sound like it, but you should check with a tax professional or this tool from the IRS: https://www.irs.gov/help/ita/whom-may-i-claim-as-a-dependent
Busola says
I am a qualifying child of my mom who lives in Maryland but I currently reside in Illinois due to school and paid state income taxes only to Illinois because I worked there. Do I file my state income taxes as a resident or non-resident of Illinois and file as a full year resident of Maryland even though I wasn’t physically in Maryland and did not pay taxes to Maryland?
Robert Farrington says
Your state residency does not change due to attending college. You should file a resident return for your home state, unless you have changed your residency. If you earned income in the state where you attend school you will also need to file a nor-resident return for the that state.
Jack says
Hi, what if I made the mistake of filing as a resident in Iowa instead of Illinois bc of college and work, but my family claims me as a dependent in Illinois where I am originally from? Is there a way to fix it
Robert Farrington says
You would need to file an amended return.
Barry Brown says
You say, “You cannot claim someone who is married and files a joint tax return. If you are married, and you file a joint return with your spouse, your parents cannot claim you as a dependent.” What if the married, filing jointly student is claimed by their parents and is only filing for a refund. Can the qualified child then be claimed as a dependent? I did not see that exception listed in your article, however; for a parent to claim the AOC for a married child they have to sign a joint return. Thanks
Robert Farrington says
I believe so, but that’s a question for a tax professional and/or accountant.
Brandon says
Hello, I’m 19 years old and I’m getting ready to move out of my parents house. I’ve been working since a was 13 and haven’t file none of my taxes. 2017 I made almost 10k but I wasnt going to get back anything in my tax refund considering my Father is claiming me. So im going to wait until next year to file my taxes for the year of 2017. When I move out, will my Father still be able to claim me and will I be able to get my tax refunds? (I plan on staying in school)
Robert Farrington says
Maybe – is he providing more than half of your support (housing, educational expenses, etc)?
Adalinda says
I’m 21 and just got my bachelors from college (May 2018). I live with my parents (my mother earns the only income coming in) and they pay for everything. I just got my first full time job after college and I’m not sure if I should claim myself as a dependent or still be claimed as a dependent by my mother since I went to school for 5 months this year. What do you suggest? Will she still receive deduction on her taxes next year for the time I went to college this year?
Robert Farrington says
You should discuss it with your parents and come to an agreement as a family.
Alicia Taylor says
I am 21 years old, a full time student also working 25-30 hours a week, living away from home while paying for my own rent/food/gas/clothes and having no financial support from my parents besides them paying my phone bill yet they still claim me? Am I able to claim myself so that I can get financial aid for school since my parents won’t help me with it?
Robert Farrington says
Who’s paying for college? This is a conversation you need to have with them.
Bridget H says
I am trying to do my FAFSA, but since I am married I have to include my spouses tax transcript for 2016. He did not file for 2016 because he was still in school and living with his parents. They supported him and he just had a part time job, they claimed him on their taxes and now the college I’m going to says he needs to file for the 2016 taxes. I don’t know what to do any advice??
Robert Farrington says
It shouldn’t be a problem. There should be a “will not file” or “did not file” button when filing out the FAFSA online. Simply select that option.
Cat says
So I’m currentlly claimed as a dependent. Still live with mom. I’m a full time student age 22 but I graduate in December 2018. So in 2019 I will not be claimed as dependent. I make small income but under 10,000 do I need to start filing my own taxes in 2019? (I do those survey things that give you like 25 cents a servey) I know I need to file joint taxes with if I marry in 2019 which is a possibility.
Robert Farrington says
Likely in all scenarios you’ll file for yourself. However, make sure you work it out with your mom.
Shannon Sims says
My tax program did not allow me to claim my 18 year old plus non college student dependent last year I think because she’s not a qualifying dependent. How can this be accurate when I paid most of her expenses?
Robert Farrington says
Is she married? Tax software usually asks you a series of questions, and likely one of them was a disqualifying factor.
Porsha says
Hello, I have a serious question, I’m 21 now, & last year my mama claimed me & for my tax return she got some of my money, I could have had more but since she did that she took away from me. I do work, Can I prevent that this year bc I need all my coins. Not her just anyone from it period.? Help. So I can have all my money
Robert Farrington says
If you are independent, you simply file your tax return and the IRS will sort it out. It’s not a pretty process though – it’s better to just talk to your mom.
Jade says
At the beginning of 2018, I moved out of my parenst house and in with a friend who’s mother also lives with us. My friends mother provided me a lot of support since I moved in. Would she be allowed to claim me since I’ve lived with them all year?
Robert Farrington says
Likely no since you are not a relative.
Jade says
So it’s not possible to claim some one that is not a relative? I was under the impression that it is allowed.
Robert Farrington says
You can claim a non-relative as a dependent if they meet all the requirements under the Qualifying Relative rules. The main requirements are that they lived in your home for the entire year and that they did not have gross income for the year of $4,050 or more.
To be a Qualifying Relative –
1. The person cannot be your qualifying child or the qualifying child of any other taxpayer. A child is not the qualifying child of any other taxpayer if the child’s parent (or any other person for whom the child is defined as a qualifying child) is not required to file an income tax return or files an income tax return only to get a refund on income tax withheld.
2. The person either (a) must be related to you or (b) must live with you all year as a member of your household (that’s 12 months).
3. The person’s gross income for the year must be less than $4,050 (social security does not count)
4. You must provide more than half of the person’s total support for the year.
5. The person must be a U.S. citizen or a U.S., Canada, or Mexico resident for some part of the year.
6. The person must not file a joint return with their spouse.
If you fall under those rules – especially the living and income ones – then she can claim you. But it’s rare because of those.
james mc lemore says
i am 24 years of age i live alone and work .my mom keeps claiming me i havent seen her in 5 years she does not support me in any way,how can i stop her from claiming me.
Robert Farrington says
You stop her by filing your own return. The IRS will sort it out.
James Mcgee says
I turned 18 In June Of Last Year. Got Married And Started a New Job In The Beginning Of September. Well My mom Said That I Can’t Joint File With My Wife. Because She Doesn’t Want To Be In Debt. Which isnt But Her Fault. She Said that She Wasn’t Going To give Me My W2 From My Work. So What’s should i Do to get it ?
Robert Farrington says
First, why would your mom get your W2? You’re grown up – your employer shouldn’t give it to anyone else besides you… If you’re concerned, I’d let HR know, but any major company would know better.
Second, you’re married. She can’t claim you. She can try, but you just file your taxes like normal… it’s time to start ignoring her, because if she tries to play games, it’s not going to be you getting mad at her, it’s going to be the IRS.
Ivette says
I graduated college on May 19th 2018, but was a full time student until then for the year 2018. Does that still count as the full five months of having been a full time student? I am 23. Can my parents still claim me? I’m filing taxes for the first time this year.
Robert Farrington says
Technically yes, as a full time student for 5 months counts as a dependent. Now, whether they do or don’t is really up to a discussion between you and them.
Abby says
Hi, my sister is 20 and a full time student. She worked full time for about 6 months and part time the remainder. Still, she is completely dependent on our mother, lives at home and does not pay more than 50% of living. We know that our mother can and should claim her as a dependent, but we are wondering if that would prevent my sister from receiving a refund (assuming she will have one). So can my sister receive her refund even if she is claimed as a dependent on our mother’s return?
Robert Farrington says
If your sister earned more than $5,700 as reported on a W-2 form during the tax year, she must file a tax return, even if she’s someone else’s dependent. She may get a refund, but you don’t get the standard deduction so the math is a bit different.
samantha waller says
I live at home but ive got a job and go to school. I had a kid last year and I filed my taxes when i got my w2. I pay all of my bills Car Insurance, food, clothing, etc… when my mom went to file she tried claiming me and it wouldnt let her. it put me as head of house hold on turbo tax and when my mom filed she filed as head of house hold and it rejected her what should i do?
Robert Farrington says
That’s her problem, not yours. Your mom can’t claim you if you claim your child as a dependent. You’re no longer an eligible dependent.
Keah thomas says
Hi, my mom has been clamining me as a dependent my whole life but as of 2015 i had moved out and been supporting myself. She did not change the status though. I am a full tkme student who works part time and turned 21 last year. I want to file independently but she feels as though i am still a dependent even though i pay for all my own expenses. She does help out with money every now and then but i support myself 90% of the time. What should i do?
Robert Farrington says
Who pays for your school? If you pay for your school, then you can file yourself. If you don’t and she does, you’re still considered a full time student and she can claim you. If you pay for your school and you’re filing for yourself, you’d better tell her.
Maria B says
If i Filed Last year with my mom and now this year i want to do it by my self with my son. is there a extra step that i need to do?
Robert Farrington says
No extra step. Just fill out your taxes.
David says
I am currently a 19 year old part-time college student. Will me filing my own taxes ruin government assistance for my mother such as welfare?
Robert Farrington says
You and your mom’s tax returns have nothing to do with her government assistance. The real question is, can you file for yourself or should your mom be claiming you as a dependent. See the article above and speak to a tax professional about that.
Flor says
Hi I am 20 years old. I just got married in October. I stopped going to school last school year. I worked part time. When last years taxes came around my mom claimed me and didn’t give me any money that I’ve earned and this year she wants to claim me agian even tho i just got married and wants me to let her claim me as a dependent. I feel bad but at the same time i get frustrated because i need money too especially when my husband and i are trying to save. I don’t know want to do or if she’s even able to claim me?
Robert Farrington says
You’re married so she can’t claim you. You can tell her this or ignore her and just handle things with your husband.
Nancy Prywitowski says
My daughter is 21 away in college. Scholarships pay tuition and Pell Grant is used for her rent. I pay for her health and car insurance and she pays for food and gas. She intended to be fulltime student but dropped a class each semester and is a 3/4 time student. Also, she earned $10,300. working less than full-time, but more than part-time. Should I claim her, or should she claim herself. And which scenario will affect her Pell grant?
Robert Farrington says
You will likely claim her, but speak to an accountant. Your tax filing situation won’t change her Pell Grant financial aid, that is based on what’s earned regardless of filing status.
Fatima says
Hello, I’m a senior in high school trying to fill out my FAFSA application. However my mother didn’t claim me in her taxes in 2017, but she is my legal guardian instead I was claimed by another relative. I don’t know whether to put my mother’s tax returns or that relative that claimed me in her taxes.
Robert Farrington says
For your FAFSA it’s your parents tax return.
Ken says
I try to file my granddaughters tax return and it was kick back to us because he dad all ready claimed heron is return,she did not live with him at ail for the year of 2018. how does she file her income tax return so she gets here refund?
Robert Farrington says
You need to go speak to a tax professional and file the return manually. The IRS will then sort it out.
Kelly says
My question is, I am 38 years old. I have 2 kids I claim and live with me full time. I am married but do not file jointly with my husband. I lived with my parents to help them out from jan 2018 until june 2018 and then moved out on my own. My parents want to put me on their taxes, I am employed full time. Can they claim me and my kids on their tax return legally? If so will my student loans that I get garnished from taxes be taken out of their tax return? I would be putting my full income on theirs as well. I just want to know so I can tell them so they know what to expect because they are older and do not understand some things, I need to be able to explain it to them so that they know whats going on.
Robert Farrington says
No, just because you lived with them for a little bit to help them, they likely can’t claim you. First, you’re over 24, so you can’t be a qualifying child.
We then move to the qualifying relative test. You cannot have earned more than $4,150 the entire year, and you would have had to receive at least half your support from your parents. This one might let you pass, but if you earned more than $4,150, they cannot claim you.
Also, because you’re married, a special rule applies: He or she can only have filed jointly with his or her spouse to claim a refund of the taxes withheld. Also, if he or she were to have filed separately from his or her spouse, neither would have owed taxes.
Diana Cruz says
I’m filing taxes for my younger brother and my parents. He lives at home, is a full time student and works part time. He earned 21,000 last year and provides for more than half of his expenses… but my parents pay for his college tuition and college expenses and he’s living at home. Can my parents claim him as a dependents and include his income and his 1098-T into their taxes even though he earns that much money? Or should he file his own taxes altogether? Or can he file his taxes, include his w2s but have my parents include the college expenses on their 1040?
Robert Farrington says
If he’s under 24 and a full time student, yes they can claim him as a dependent, but they don’t include his income on their return. He should also file a dependent tax return for his income since he earned more than $12,000.
Roseann says
Hi, My daughter is 20 and is a full time student works part time who lives with me. She made 13,706 can i still calm her as a dependent full time student on my tax and her file her own tax or can i no longer claim her.
Robert Farrington says
Yes, since she is a full-time student under 24, you can claim her. She should also file a dependent return and see if see can get a refund from her working.
Barbara Murphy says
My son lives at home he is 20 he pays his own bills but I pay all household bills. How do we file seperate returns with same address
Robert Farrington says
If you don’t want to claim him as a dependent, you don’t have to. You both simply file your own returns. Same address doesn’t matter.
sandy says
If I claimmy 19 year old – was in school – can she still claim head of household and EIC (she has a child) on her own tax return
Robert Farrington says
You can’t claim her if she claims her child.
D C says
I live at hour full-time student and have a part-time job my w9 says i made $6600 for the year the estimated return would be $400 if i filled for myself. So my question is if i let my parents clam me to get the $$$ credit has they cover all my cost can i still fill to get the $400 return on my return as well?
Thanks D
Robert Farrington says
It’s not “let my parents claim me”, it’s your parents are supposed to claim you because you are a full time student. You also should file a dependent tax return for your income, however, the tax brackets are different so you might not get a refund.
Robin James says
My son filed his taxes this year and inadvertently claimed himself; however he goes to school and lives at our house- he is 23. He is in the process of amending his return. My question is do I need to wait to file my taxes. I know I cannot file electronically, however not sure how long it will take for him to change so that I can claim him. It was just an honest mistake
Robert Farrington says
Once he ammends his taxes and it’s accepted, you can file manually. The IRS will sort it out.
Lisa L says
My daughter did not file her taxes as dependent. So my taxes got rejected, so I thought I just couldn’t claim her anymore. So I re-sent my taxes and it was accepted. But now after I did research, I realized it was just because she didn’t check that she can be a dependent on my taxes. So, I know she can do an amended on he’s to correct. But when should I do my amendment? Do I have to wait? My return is a lot smaller now. I don’t want them to send the refund out to me yet. What or how should we fix this?
Robert Farrington says
She amends, get’s it fixed, and then you amend.
Karinna says
I am 28 years old and I still live with my parents I made around 2500 dollars but my parents still support me. How do I file?
Robert Farrington says
You are likely considered a dependent. You would file a dependent tax return if your parents claim you as a dependent.
Mariana says
I am 20 years old, from January 2018 to May 2018 I was living with my mom. I got married in June and have been living with my husband till now. I am a part time student and have a part time job. Can my mom still claim me? And how will that affect me? Will I get the money that I worked for?
Robert Farrington says
No, you’re married. You cannot be a dependent of your mom. You will file with your husband, either married filing jointly (most likely) or married filing separately. If you’re not sure, speak to a tax professional.
Mariana says
Thank you. Even if my mom were to claim because I lived with her for 5 months only, will I get any refunds for myself?
Robert Farrington says
Your mom cannot claim you at all – even if you lived with her the whole year and got married on 12/31 – because you’re MARRIED. You file with your husband. You’re considered married for the entire year, no matter when you got married during the year.
If your mom does file and claims you (which isn’t allowed), she’ll be audited by the IRS and have to provide proof she was allowed to claim you (which she won’t be able to prove because, again, you’re married). Then, any refund she received, she’ll have to pay it back to the IRS with interest and potentially penalties.
The bottom line is, your mom can’t claim you.
You and your husband file your taxes together. And your tax refund (or owing) will be based on you and your husbands income/taxes/situation.
Joshua Dean says
My son is 17 and has been working full time for a year. He asked me if he could have the money I get from my tax refund when I receive it. This seemed odd to me. Does he file his own taxes? Obviously my husband and I will claim him as he’s still living with us and I provide food , shelter ect. If we claim and he claims will that affect our claim. Thanks.
Robert Farrington says
Both – you claim him as a dependent and he files a dependent tax return.
Val says
My daughter worked this past year, 2018 and made over $35,000.00 and she is a full-time student living with me. She used my income for her student grants etc. Can I carry her as a dependent and get the Earned Income Credit and the school credit tax?
Robert Farrington says
If she’s under 24 and a full time student, she is likely considered a dependent for you. She can also file a dependent tax return for herself.
Gaby says
Hi my son is 17 and his dad gets to.claim him we are divorced. But my son made 11,000 last year so.i filed a tax return for him and I made sure to mark that someone else can claim him. He lives full time with me and and his dad pays 3600.00 a year in child support. My question is can his dad take his tax refund I keep getting rejected by the IRS saying someone else has claimed him. Hes supposed to get back 1100.00 dollars
Robert Farrington says
His father gets to claim him as a dependent, but that doesn’t give him access to your son’s tax return. Your son can (and should) still file a dependent tax return. If someone filed that return, it’s identity theft and you should file a paper return manually and then go through the identity theft process.
mari says
i already file my taxes and forgot to check off the box that my parents can claim me…what can I do
Robert Farrington says
You would need to file an amended return.
Shawna Talkington says
My daughter will be 21 is a full time student going online college still living at home and working ! I pay all her living expenses! She recently got insurance thru her employer now I’m being told I cannot claim her next year because she has her own insurance ? Why is that ? It our only option her father is disabled we struggle and the employer insurance thru Walmart is only like $30 a pay period ! Thru the marketplace or my employer it would cost about $500 a month just for her insurance! Why does her having employer insurance knock me out of claiming her ?
Robert Farrington says
The insurance doesn’t matter. Her employer doesn’t decide if you claim her as a dependent or not. You should speak with a tax professional about this. It sounds like, since she lives with you and is a full time student, then she is a dependent.
Jose Dominguez says
If someone claimed my friend and she had a kid who she is trying to claim is it possible to still go through if someone claimed her?
Robert Farrington says
She can still file the correct way. The IRS will then sort it out and your friend and who claimed her will have to prove she was eligible and someone will be wrong.
Linda Brett says
My daughter died in 2017, her daughter our granddaughter has lived with us since. She is now graduated and was receiving SSA in the amount of 8586.00 and had a part time job. We claimed her on our taxes, but were not sure if she had to file her SSA income along with her part time job.
Robert Farrington says
You didn’t say how much she earned, but I’d lean towards yes. She would file a dependent tax return.
Nisha says
I have an 18 year old that we can claim as a dependent according to your article. My question is do we add her income in with ours or does she file her own tax form?
Robert Farrington says
No, if she had income/a job, she would file her own tax return, and select she’s a dependent.
Mary says
If we claim our son on our taxes, he’s a student and he’s lived with us the whole year. How much does he get to deduct on his taxes since we claim him as a dependent on our taxes ,For 2018?
Robert Farrington says
He would file a tax return for his income if he earned enough income. As for deductions, he likely has none, but every tax return is different (does he have self-employment income, etc).
Diana says
I’m 17 and someone talked me into filing my taxes on my own without my parents. Can they still claim me as their dependent?
Robert Farrington says
They can (and likely should) still claim you as a dependent. However, them doing so is going to cause problems since you sound like you already filed your taxes. You need to speak with them immediately, and you’re probably going to need to file an amended tax return and repay whatever refund you received to the IRS.
Alejandra says
I’m 25 years old and a graduate student receiving grants from my school. I know I have to file my 1098, but can my mom still claim me as a dependent?
Robert Farrington says
Maybe, but probably not. You are outside the age test since you’re 25. If you earned more than $4,150 in 2018, then it’s a no. If you earned less than that, and you lived at home at least half the year, then likely yes.
Sheila Bliss says
If I file my soon-to-be 19-year old college student correctly as a dependent (meaning I didn’t make a mistake), do I pay taxes on all his scholarships etc. he receives that are all used for qualified college expenses? (none of it used for room & board). I’ve seen I’d need to report all those scholarships etc. on my taxes if I claim him as a dependent, but does that also mean I then pay taxes on those if I claim him as a dependent? I am also seeing that regardless for “if” I claim him as a dependent, that he still has to mark the box that he can be claimed as a dependent, even if I decide not to claim him as a dependent; and that it’s ok for me to decide not to claim him as a dependent even though he is. Am I understanding all that right?
Robert Farrington says
You don’t include his income on your tax return if you claim him as a dependent.
If he earned enough income (including through non-qualified scholarships), then he should be filing a tax return under his own name (marking he is a dependent), and paying the appropriate tax or getting a refund.
Haley says
Hello, I am 20 years old and I haven’t seen, let alone had a true conversation with my father in years. I didn’t even live in the same state as him for 4 years as I lived with his mother, my Grandmother, who has supported me since I was born. I haven’t recived anything from my father or even lived with him for years now. Even when I was a full-time student, my grandmother paid for my living expenses, yet, he still claimed me. Last year, I went homeless and ended up moving back in with my mom and I am getting back on my feet as well as being pregnant. Yet, he claimed me on his taxes as a dependent. I’m not in school anymore, I don’t live with him, he hasn’t paid ANYTHING for me or my expenses, past and current. Can he do this? I tried to file as an independent, but it got rejected saying that I was already claimed. He’s done this for years now even though he has nothing to do with me. What actions should I take to correct this? How do I make sure that this doesn’t happen again?
Haley B says
Hello, I am 20 years old and I haven’t seen, let alone had a true conversation with my father in years. I didn’t even live in the same state as him for 4 years as I lived with his mother, my Grandmother, who has supported me since I was born. I haven’t recived anything from my father or even lived with him for years now. Even when I was a full-time student, my grandmother paid for my living expenses, yet, he still claimed me. Last year, I went homeless and ended up moving back in with my mom and I am getting back on my feet as well as being pregnant. Yet, he claimed me on his taxes as a dependent. I’m not in school anymore, I don’t live with him, he hasn’t paid ANYTHING for me or my expenses, past and current. Can he do this? I tried to file as an independent, but it got rejected saying that I was already claimed. He’s done this for years now even though he has nothing to do with me. What actions should I take to correct this? How do I make sure that this doesn’t happen again?
Robert Farrington says
If you are independent (or a dependent of your mom), then he should not have claimed you. You can still file a paper return and have the IRS sort it out. You might want to enlist a tax preparer to help you with this.
Kyla Johnson says
I’m 18 turning 19 on March 14 and working full time at a hospital and had another job during 2018. I live with my mom however, I pay for clothing and sometimes for food/rent and what not. I took a gap year and plan on going to college in the fall of 2019. Talking about money and taxes are a no go towards her. I’ve had a couple coworkers asked me if I have filed my taxes and I have not. They told me I should do so. However I know my mom files her taxes and probably claims me. And now they asked me if I at least get like a check of some sort from the tax return and I told them no. And I’m just wondering if I have the right to file my own taxes or whether I should just leave her be and let her claim me.
Robert Farrington says
It sounds like you are her dependent, especially because you live with her.
Susan George says
My daughter was a full time student and graduated in May of 2018. She can be claimed as my dependent. However, she got a job in August which paid into an HSA account and I’m having a hard time getting past that section on Turbo Tax because it keeps asking on whose insurance plan she was on for the year…mine for all of 2018 but also her employer provided one for the last three months of the year. It offers self, family or none. It doesn’t like any other the answers I give. What is the right way to fill that part out based on her circumstances?
Robert Farrington says
You probably want to consult a tax professional, because you also need to know if she was HSA eligible – especially if she was on your insurance. You would select family if she was on your family, but did you also contribute to an HSA? She also needs to file a tax return, and if her HSA was incorrect, she’ll need to withdrawal that contribution and pay the taxes.
David says
Hi, So my parents filed my takes for me as a dependent since I am a full time student and live with them. However, I gave them my W-2’s and other information for them to file with an accountant but I never received a 1040. I thought the accountant filed the whole family. Yet, now in the process of the fafsa I cannot use the irs data retrieval so I cannot even say if they were filed. I’ve tried contacting the accountant with no current luck and my parents and brother have gotten their 1040’s. What should I do? Do I state that filed which I thought was the case or state that it has not been filed?
Robert Farrington says
Many accountants take the paperwork and don’t file immediately. Especially if your parents owe versus getting a refund. If they owe, they likely won’t file until right before April 15. However, you can just use their previous year’s information and you don’t need to use the data retrieval tool if you have their information.
Isabella says
I’m going to be turning 24 years old in a week and I work 2 part-time jobs and go to school, but I live with my parents. I pay rent for the house and gas for my car, can my parents still claim me or can I claim myself as independent?
Robert Farrington says
If you’re a full time student and you’re under 24, then yes, your parents can claim you.
Fefe says
I’m 19 years old and I still live with my parents. I am a full time student and a full time employee. I told my mom that I want to claim my tuition since she already claiming me as a dependent but she wants to claim my tuition as well. I am a full time students and we both split the tuition equally accept that I pays for my books, gas etc. On my 2018 income tax return I made $18,012. I don’t have medical insurance, I pay for my insurance, food, etc… I was wondering who should claim the tuition exemption?
Robert Farrington says
You should run the math or have a tax professional run the math and see who gets a bigger refund as a result. Then discuss.
Mary says
We claim our 21 yr daughter on our taxes as she is full time student, we make to much money to claim any of the education credits so should we let her claim the 1098 and not us as we get nothing for it?
Robert Farrington says
You can. If she earns money, she should file her own tax return anyway – you get to claim her as a dependent but you don’t claim her income on your return.
lou says
My son is 23 full time student and recently married 10/2018, he filled his tax and his wife filled (married filling separately) and someone can claim your spouse as a dependent, am his mother and have supported him 90% and living with me for 2018 , went I filled my tax I was rejected due to someone has claim him already. Is this due to that his married an no one can claim him as dependent for standard deduction..
Robert Farrington says
Since he got married, he is no longer your dependent to claim.
Gary Mata says
My 22 year old daughter graduated on May 11th, 2018 and was a full time student at the beginning of 2018. She moved home after graduation, and I pay all of her living expenses at home. At school, she had a combination of grants, loans, and money from her 529 college plan to pay her expenses. She worked part-time while in school and then moved back home and continued working with the same company. In total for 2018, she earned a bit over $20,000. One, can I still claim her as a dependent, and two, does she need to file her own taxes (federal and state (CA and AZ))?
Robert Farrington says
Yes, she was a full time student under 24, so you can claim her. Yes, she needs to file her own return as well. Next year (really this year), since she is no longer a full time student, you won’t be able to claim her as a dependent.
Gary says
She plans on going back to graduate school in the fall. So will I be able to claim her if she is enrolled by August 2019?
Robert Farrington says
If she is full time, then yes.
Maria says
Hello,
My daughter graduated in May 2018. She lived with us in CA until September (8 months in 2018) then moved to a different state, where she started work. The turbo tax said that she does not qualified to be my dependent any more. Do I still keep her info on my tax return or I have to delete her.
Robert Farrington says
How old is she? If she was a full time student and lived with you for half the year or longer, she might qualify. But you don’t state her age. TurboTax will tell you why she doesn’t qualify.
If she doesn’t qualify, then you cannot claim her as a dependent.
Kayla Glenn says
I am 22 years old and a full-time student. I pay every single thing on my own including tuition, rent, utilities, loan interest, etc. However, my parents claimed me as a dependent on their taxes without telling me and now I don’t qualify for the student loan interest which was almost $1000 that I paid. What can I do? This is unfair because I need the money and my parents don’t support me at all.
Robert Farrington says
Read the article – you can still file your taxes and let the IRS decide.
Brian V says
Hi, I am trying to do my taxes and noticed in comparing my 2017 return, that I did not get a 1098T form from my son’s college this year. When I called them today, I was told the tax laws changed and I won’t get one for 2018. I am trying to find out if this correct. I could find no information online? Do you know anything about this? Thank you!
Robert Farrington says
The law requires a 1098-T be issued if he paid tuition to an eligible institution. My concern is that maybe the school he attended is no longer accredited and thus didn’t issue one (which could be a bigger issue for you). Or, maybe your son didn’t enroll?
Either way, you might find this helpful: https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/individuals/education-credits-questions-and-answers
Troy says
My son is a full time student in college with a full-ride scholarship (with ~$8000 beyond tuition). He made $4500 during the summer before going to college. So he surely earned more than the threshold for filing tax return. Now my question is: if he file his own tax return, can we still claim him as dependent? From what I read at this website, it seems that he should file his own return and check the box that he can be claimed as someone’s dependent, and we still claim him as dependent on our return. Is it right?
Robert Farrington says
Yes, you claim him as a dependent. He still files his own tax return as a dependent.
DAVID BELLOWS says
I have 2 19 year old boys still living at my house but both work. One made $18000 and the other made $12850. Even with that, I pay for alot more than 50 percent of there living. When I go to do my taxes, it says i can’t claim them or even get a child tax credit for them. is this true?
Robert Farrington says
If they are no longer full time students, then you cannot claim them a dependents. And the Child Tax Credit cutoff is 17, so you’re past that as well.
Venkat says
Since the tax code has changed and there is no more Personal Exemption, me claiming my son as dependent will not change my son’s AGI, right. He still gets the $12,000 standard deduction.
Only advantage in me claiming him as dependent is for me to get the student tax credit.
thanks
Robert Farrington says
If you are claimed as a depended, your standard deduction becomes limited to $1,050 or your personal income plus $350 – whichever is greater.
Kay says
My child qualifies as my dependent. They have $10,000 of income for 2018. Can I skip claiming them as a dependent and let them take the standard deduction of $12,000? If yes, can I choose to claim them next year as my dependent if they qualify?
Robert Farrington says
Here’s the kicker – whether or not you claim your child, the IRS form asks on their return “whether or not someone else can claim them as a dependent”. So, even if they weren’t actually claimed as a dependent, they should still mark that they were eligible to be claimed as a dependent so they aren’t lying on their tax form.
Doc says
Hi,
I’m 23 and I’m a full time student. I work part time on campus. I filed my taxes but my mom wants to claim me as dependent. What can I do? I already filed and now she’s expected to pay $3000 in back taxes because she can’t claim me. How can this be resolved? Do I need to be audited? This was a communication issue.
Robert Farrington says
If you’re a full time student, then she can claim you as a dependent. You need to amend your tax return and pay back any difference you received.
Christina M. says
My 18 year old earned $8900 in 2018 and had over $1000 in taxes withheld from his paychecks. He would like to file a federal return and he is required to file a state return (which uses information from the federal return) however, our accountant marked the box “Credit for other dependents” on our tax return. Can he file a federal and state return? If so, what deduction amount does he use for the federal return?
Robert Farrington says
Yes, he still files a return. Your accountant can do it for him, or any tax software can do it. He just needs to mark that “he can be claimed as a dependent”. Since he is a dependent, his standard deduction becomes limited to $1,050 or his personal income plus $350 – whichever is greater.
Elizabeth Van Dyke says
I am 23 years old, I am the single parent of a 2 year old. I worked the whole year of 2018, I made roughly $8,000. I also went to school full time. My sons and I lived with my mother for about 7 months. I paid for everything my son and I needed, except for rent and utilities. I paid for his daycare, and I also had to pay for my own schooling because he is my dependent. My mother somehow got his social security number and claimed myself and him, she claimed him for eic as well. Can she do that? I had to file by mail because I got rejected on efile. On my paper return I claimed my son as a dependent, as I am his only custodial parent. I just recieved my federal refund in the form of direct deposit, there are alot of things I am in need of, but I am scared to touch the money. Please help me.
Robert Farrington says
Read the article – you already did what you’re supposed to do and the IRS is going to sort it out with your mom. You should speak to her and let her know because the IRS is going to come after her for the refund she incorrectly/fraudulently claimed.
David Mathis says
Mr Farrington I need your help. I live in Illinois, I am 18yr old senior in high school will be attending community college next year. Mr father and mother are divorced but neither one care for me very much. I live with my dad and after school i work part time and full time. at the end of the year I file my state and federal taxes. Can my dad make me let him file my return so he gets all my withholdings back? I worked for my money and should be able to file and get my withholdings back, how do I do that. I would really appreciate your help, how can I do that. thank you very much
Robert Farrington says
Your dad can claim you a dependent if that’s what the divorce agreement states. You can still file your own tax return in your name (making sure you check that you were claimed as a dependent). You won’t get all your taxes back, but maybe some of it.
If your dad is filing a tax return in your name without your permission (and you were 18), it could be considered identity theft.
Jonathan Broughton says
I am 22. I am married. My wife and I have never filed together last year we wanted too but I found out my social had been used by my grandmother. I was unaware she had been filing for me all these years . What can I do about this ?
Robert Farrington says
You either tell her to amend her return and fix it, or you file your taxes like normal and let the IRS sort it out with your grandmother.
Note: it’s basically identity theft, so you should remind her that.
Everleigh says
Hello, I am 21 years old, I live on my own, married, full time job and am not a student. I’m also pregnant and due in October. I haven’t not lived with my mother for a year and a half. I received a call of her wanting information so she can claim me and my child on her taxes because she “needs the money”. There is absolutely no getting through to her and my husband is furious. Besides talking to her what else can I approach?
Robert Farrington says
You file your taxes like normal and let the IRS deal with your mom. Let her know that what she did isn’t allowed the IRS is going to come after her for that money she got refunded.
Makayla says
Hello, I am 17, I live on my own, I have a job and made $11,000, and I pay rent. How should I do my taxes? I had more than $2,500 Withheld and I am trying to figure out a solution.
Robert Farrington says
You should file your taxes and check the box that makes it clear you’re a dependent. You might get a little refund.
Stephen says
Hi, my daughter is 16 yrs old and has a part time job, I still provide & pay for everything for her. She made around $3000 and they took $81.80 for federal taxes. How would we file our taxes? I would still claim her as a dependent, correct? But what would she have to do or does she not need to file at all? Thanks for any advise
Robert Farrington says
You file your taxes with her as a dependent. She files her taxes as a dependent. See this: How Much Do You Need To Make To File Your Taxes.
Susan D says
I’m a full time student at college with a part time job. I just got married in August. Can both my parents and husband claim me on their taxes? My parents help with me tuition and school while my husband helps me pay for my water bill, electric, internet, and rent. Is there a way they both could claim me on their taxes?
Robert Farrington says
No, you’re married. You should probably file jointly with your husband. Failing to do so could be more costly to everyone.
Jarod Geerligs says
I am 18 yrs old, currently working full time and live with my parents. Can they claim me as a dependent or no?
Robert Farrington says
Yes, they likely can. Did you read the article?
Coretta S. says
My son is 20 yrs old and works part time. He made 9,300 in 2019. $751 federal taxes was withheld and $450 state withheld. He lives with me and I pay 90% of all household expenses. Can I file him as a dependent on my tax return? And can he file his return but check the box he can be claimed as a dependent.
Robert Farrington says
If he’s a full-time student, you can claim him as a dependent. If he’s not a full-time student, then you cannot claim you as a dependent.
Renee says
My daughter is a full time student, which she started in September of 2019. She lived with me full time until she moved to college. She filed her tax return for 2019 (without telling me) and checked the box saying no one else can claim her. She worked part time. Can I still claim her in some way?
Robert Farrington says
Yes, if you are allowed to claim her, you can claim her regardless of whether she filed or not. You should ask her to amend her return and fix the error (she should still file, just as a dependent) or tell her the IRS will come asking for her to fix it instead. You file your taxes and do it correctly.
Karen says
Hello, My names is Karen. I just joined the military since June. It’s been 7 months since I left home. My parents don’t pay for anything for me, and I want to start college based on my income. Based on this article I should be independent. If they do still claim me, what do it do?
Robert Farrington says
You file your return and let the IRS sort it out. It’s easier if you talk to your parents first, but that’s the final option.
Help! says
I am not in contact with my parents… 28 years old and married with a full time job. I recently found out they are still claiming me on their taxes. I am not sure what to do? Any suggestions?
Robert Farrington says
You should try to contact them and work it out. But if you can’t or that fails, you simply file your return as normal and the IRS will sort it out with them. Read the article…