Question

can you choose to file tax independently even if parents support you and can claim you as dependent

Forum|Forum|5 years ago
February 2, 2021
1 reply
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Hi

I am 17 years old student with some income (W2), interest income and investment gains. I am living with my parents and they support my expenses including rent (my income is not enough to support 50% of my expenses) . However, I want to file as an independent (even though they can claim me as dependent, I don't want that). Am I allowed to file as independent and they don't claim me as dependent? )

thank you

T

ThomasM125

Your parents are not required to claim you as their dependent, but you cannot file as a non-dependent just because they don't claim you. You need to list yourself as a dependent of them on your tax return if you qualify as such, as it may affect the taxability of your income.

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Critter-3

Since you CAN be claimed as a dependent you MUST indicate that on the tax return EVEN IF your parents will NOT claim you as a dependent. If you do not then you are filing a fraudulent return ESPECIALLY if you are trying to get the stimulus credit illegally.