Claiming California vs. Federal Dependent

Forum|Forum|1 year ago
April 9, 2025
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On TurboTax 2024, if I want to claim my dependent on my California tax return but not my federal tax return, does my dependent have to check the box "Another tax payer can claim me on their tax return" and also check the box "Another taxpayer will not claim me in 2024"? I am also confused as to whether these checkbox statements pertain to federal tax return, state tax return, or either, as it's not specified.

After that there is another question for my dependent on TurboTax - "Do either of these statements apply to the other tax payer? 1. The person is required to file a 2024 tax return. 2. The person is filing a 2024 tax return for reasons other than getting a refund of taxes paid or withheld." How does checking "Yes" or "No" to this question affect my dependent's credit and deductions?

Ask the Experts - Tax Due - April 2025

MAK70

If another taxpayer can claim you as a dependent on their return, you can't claim any dependents on your own tax return (even if that person doesn't actually claim you).

Recent changes to IRS instructions clarified who is a "taxpayer" for purposes of this rule. Another person who would otherwise be able to claim you isn't considered a "taxpayer" if either of the following statements are true about this person:
- The other person isn't filing a tax return because they're not required to, OR
- If they are filing even though they're not required to, they're only doing so to get back money they already put toward paying taxes (like paycheck withholdings or estimated tax payments)

TaxSaver101Author

I'm actually more talking about how my dependent would fill out the tax returns. If I'm claiming my dependent on my California tax return but not my federal tax return, does my dependent check the box "Another tax payer can claim me on their tax return"?

If they answer "Yes" to above question, there are another two check boxes. 1. Another tax payer will claim me in 2024 2. Another tax payer will not claim me in 2024. How would my dependent answer this question?

MAK70

Yes, if you CAN claim them but are not (on the federal return), they would indicate this. So the next question would be Another person will not claim them and you have to answer Yes or No - you are filing a federal return AND you are fling for other reasons than getting a refund. @TaxSaver101