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-   -   Can a dependent file their taxes? (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/showthread.php?t=204078)

  • Apr 9, 2008, 11:12 AM
    sdavis42
    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.
  • Apr 9, 2008, 11:26 AM
    ebaines
    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.
  • Apr 9, 2008, 11:33 PM
    MukatA
    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.
  • Feb 4, 2009, 05:12 PM
    ruckerfloyd06
    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?
  • Feb 5, 2009, 06:44 AM
    ebaines
    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.
  • Mar 27, 2011, 11:23 AM
    luvs2go
    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?
  • Mar 28, 2011, 06:22 AM
    ebaines

    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?
  • Jan 30, 2013, 05:22 PM
    kheizzy
    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?
  • Jan 30, 2013, 05:25 PM
    AtlantaTaxExpert
    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.
  • Jan 30, 2013, 05:32 PM
    kheizzy
    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
  • Jan 30, 2013, 05:39 PM
    AtlantaTaxExpert
    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.

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