I am a 20 year old male who has not lived with my mother since October 2007. I worked and supported myself the entire year of 2008. Somehow my mother was able to claim me as a dependent for her 2008 tax return as a dependent of hers. Because of this more than 90 percent of my tax return is being withheld from me. What can I do to get the money that I earned. I have even checked on tax laws and I do not fall into any of the 4 required categories to even be claimed as a dependent child on a tax return. Does anyone have any advice on what to do.

Contact the IRS directly and explain to them that your mother wrongly claimed you. They will make her pay back whatever money she is not entitled to.

If some ono else has claimed the dependent, and you are sure that you are the one who is eligible to claim the dependent, then you must claim the dependent and file your tax return.

If you are unable to efile, then send paper return. IRS will then contact both of you to figure out who can claim the child. One of you will have to amend the tax return and pay the tax due with interest and penalty.

A dependent can be your qualifying child or qualifying relative. There is no age limit for a qualifying relative. Read: Your U.S. Tax Return: Requirements for claiming a dependent