Ask Experts Questions for FREE Help !
Ask
    sdavis42's Avatar
    sdavis42 Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Apr 9, 2008, 11:12 AM
    Can a dependent file their taxes?
    I am a full time student whom just started working last May, so this is the first time Iv'e had to deel with taxes. My parents are claiming me on their taxes. I don't know if I can still file my taxes or not. Please help.
    ebaines's Avatar
    ebaines Posts: 12,131, Reputation: 1307
    Expert
    		  
    #2

    Apr 9, 2008, 11:26 AM
    Yes, you can certainly file your own taxes, and in fact MUST file your own taxes if your income exceeds the filing threshold. Your parents can still claim you as a dependent as long as (a) you live at home (with the exception of time spent at school), and (b) they provide over half your support. You file as single. Do NOT check the box for a personal exemption, and you cannot claim a standard deduction.
    MukatA's Avatar
    MukatA Posts: 7,110, Reputation: 176
    Tax Expert
    		  
    #3

    Apr 9, 2008, 11:33 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by sdavis42
    I am a full time student whom just started working last May, so this is the first time Iv'e had to deel with taxes. My parents are claiming me on their taxes. I don't know if I can still file my taxes or not. Please help.
    Yes, you must file your tax return if you meet the filing requirement. Make sure that on your return you cannot claim your personal exemption since you are a dependent.

    For the filing requirements, read: Your U.S. Tax Return: Filing Requirement for a Dependent

    Even if you don't meet the filing requirements, you should also file tax return if federal or state income tax is withheld from you paycheck to get the tax refund.
    ruckerfloyd06's Avatar
    ruckerfloyd06 Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #4

    Feb 4, 2009, 05:12 PM
    If I'm 18 and I am claimed on my parents taxes, and I file my 2008 taxes I'm eligible for the stimulus check?
    ebaines's Avatar
    ebaines Posts: 12,131, Reputation: 1307
    Expert
    		  
    #5

    Feb 5, 2009, 06:44 AM
    Quote Originally Posted by ruckerfloyd06 View Post
    If I'm 18 and i am claimed on my parents taxes, and i file my 2008 taxes im eligible for the stimulus check?

    No - if you are a dependent you are not eligibe for the stimulus check.
    luvs2go's Avatar
    luvs2go Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #6

    Mar 27, 2011, 11:23 AM
    My parents already claimed me but I moved out in may last year and want to file for my return from my job. Can I?
    ebaines's Avatar
    ebaines Posts: 12,131, Reputation: 1307
    Expert
    		  
    #7

    Mar 28, 2011, 06:22 AM

    luvs2go - it's best to post a new question rather than tacking onto an old one. However, to answer your question: it doesn't matter whether your parents claimed you or not - you have to file a tax return if you made more than a certain amount of income and/or want to get a refund for taxes withheld. However, if you have been claimed as a dependent by your parents then you can not take your own exemption. But perhaps you can work a "deal" with your parents where they reimburse you for the higher taxes you have to pay (or for the smaller refund you get) because of this. And if you want to push it - since you are working it may be that your parents are not eleigible to claim you as their dependent. To determine whether you are in fact their dependent please tell us:

    a) how old are you?
    b) are you a full time student?
    c) did you make at least $3650 last year?
    d) did your parents provide at least half your financial support?
    kheizzy's Avatar
    kheizzy Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #8

    Jan 30, 2013, 05:22 PM
    I'm 21 yrs. Old 2 jobs. Living with my parents. I pay my car loan, car insurance, student loan. My mom has a parent loan too so she's helping me to pay my loan. Can I claim myself or they should still claim me as a dependent?
    AtlantaTaxExpert's Avatar
    AtlantaTaxExpert Posts: 21,836, Reputation: 846
    Senior Tax Expert
    		  
    #9

    Jan 30, 2013, 05:25 PM
    If you made OVER $3,800, your parents CANNOT claim you unless you are attending college on at least a half-time basis.

    If you made under $3,800, and they provided more than HALF of your total support, then they can claim you.
    kheizzy's Avatar
    kheizzy Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #10

    Jan 30, 2013, 05:32 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by AtlantaTaxExpert View Post
    If you made OVER $3,800, your parents CANNOT claim you unless you are attending college on at least a half-time basis.

    If you made under $3,800, and they provided more than HALF of your total support, then they can claim you.
    yes i made over 3,800 and I'm not schooling right now. I ask my mom if i can claim my self she said as long as im living with them they will still claim me as a dependant
    AtlantaTaxExpert's Avatar
    AtlantaTaxExpert Posts: 21,836, Reputation: 846
    Senior Tax Expert
    		  
    #11

    Jan 30, 2013, 05:39 PM
    Nope, does not work that way.

    If you are NOT attending college, you must meet the Gross Income Test as outlined in IRS Pub 17. You do NOT, so you will have to file and claim yourself.

    The most current Pub 17 is for 2011, but the rules have not changed.
Not your question? Ask your question View similar questions
 

Question Tools Search this Question
Search this Question:

Advanced Search

Add your answer here.


Check out some similar questions!

Can H1 file a dependent [ 1 Answers ]

I'm on H1 in 2007, my brother is on F1. Can I claim him as my dependent. He is under 24. I was supporting him financially, but he was in a different state. Can I claim child tax credit. Thanks

Parent as a dependent. Do they file for tax rebate? [ 5 Answers ]

I claim my mother as my dependent on my taxes. Her only income is social security. Does she need to file a tax return to receive the tax rebate or does her rebate Come on my check since she is a dependent?

Can I file my nephew as my dependent if? [ 1 Answers ]

I live with my nephew (15yrs old) the past 3 years and support him. His mother does not work and his dad is on disability income. Can I claim him as my dependent if his dad receives disability check for him and his 15 yr old son? If I claim my nephew as my dependent on 2006 tax returns, I don't...

How do I file taxes with dependent wife and new born baby: Advise [ 1 Answers ]

I am from India and am married. My wife is on H4 dependent visa joined me in US on April 14,2006 and gave birth to our son on Jan 29,2007. It looks like I won't be able to claim benefits for my son as he was born on Jan 29, 2007 but wanted to know if there were some benefits of being pregnant...

Filing Taxes as Dependent [ 1 Answers ]

I am currently a full-time college student working part-time. When my parents file their taxes, they claim me as their dependent because they do support me more than 50%. However, my total gross income has exceeded the amount that is required to file taxes. However, I'm unsure if I have to file...

View more questions Search