I made $6780 in 2006 is it a good idea to still let someone claim me on their taxes?

Question

I know last year I ended up getting messed over when I let my mom claim me on her OHIO income taxes because I made over $5000. I still live with her and she pays my car insurance and everything but I dont wanna loose out on what could be hundreds of dollars.

Im 18 and she provides for me still.

Answer 1

If you support yourself, no one else can claim you.

If someone else is providing more than half your support, you have options. If someone else can claim you, take a look at the back of the 1040ez and try to claim yourself again on the worksheet. You won't get full credit, but you'll get something.

If you didn't do this last year, get some payback and file an amended 1040 for last year.

Answer 2

First of all, it's not a matter of "letting" your mom claim you. You said you're 18. I assume you're not married. If she meets all the criteria - you live with her for at least 6 months of the year, and you don't provide at least half of your own support (the IRS defines what items are included in "support") - then she can claim you whether you agree or not.

If you made $6780 in 2006, then as a dependent you'd owe about $164 in federal tax. That's a lot cheaper than paying for rent, utilities, food, etc etc etc, besides your own car insurance. Even adding in whatever state tax you end up paying, you're still getting a really good deal.

Once you turn 19, your mom can't claim you any more unless you're in school.

Answer 3

Are you over the age of 24 and not a student? If you meet these criteria then you should file yourself. There are certain rules to being claimed as a dependent. If she is responsible for over half of your well being for more than 6 months then she can technically claim you as a dependent. Do you have children or student tuition cost paid out of pocket? There is a lot of other scenarios and question to be answered. If you are not sure on what to do, try to prepare your own taxes on turbo tax.com to get an idea of the situation.