Last year, I filed independently without any issues. This year my mother decided to claim me as a dependent. How do I proceed with proving I am not a dependent?

We do not want to be involved in a conflict between you and your mom..  But if she cannot claim you and did it anyhow, you can say on your own return that no one can claim you and file by mail.  You will not be able to e-file, because your SSN has already been put into the system.  If you file by mail the IRS will sort out whether you can be claimed.

Here is the criteria that is used to determine if someone can claim you as a qualified child or qualified relative.

WHO CAN I CLAIM AS A DEPENDENT?

You can claim a child, relative, friend, or fiancé (etc.) as a dependent on your 2023 taxes as long as they meet the following requirements:

Qualifying child

• They're related to you.
• They aren't claimed as a dependent by someone else.
• They're a U.S. citizen, resident alien, national, or a Canadian or Mexican resident.
• They aren’t filing a joint return with their spouse.
• They're under the age of 19 (or 24 for full-time students).
• No age limit for permanently and totally disabled children.
• They lived with you for more than half the year (exceptions apply).
• They didn't provide more than half of their own support for the year.

Qualifying relative

• They don't have to be related to you (despite the name).
• They aren't claimed as a dependent by someone else.
• They're a U.S. citizen, resident alien, national, or a Canadian or Mexican resident.
• They aren’t filing a joint return with their spouse.
• They lived with you the entire year (exceptions apply).
• They made less than $4,700 in 2023.
• You provided more than half of their financial support