Question regarding filing my 2006 tax return?

Question

Hopefully this doesn't sound too much more complicated than it really is. Any answers are greatly appreciated!!

For the year 2006, I was 18 for the whole year, except for the first 2 weeks. I was in high school and graduated in June. I lived with my guardians until the second week in August, and was not working from June - August. Can they claim me on their taxes for this year? If not, do I HAVE to claim myself on my return? I've lookied all over the IRS website, and various other places on the net, and can't seem to find anything that answers my question.

Thanks!

Answer 1

Firstly, you call them "guardians" not parents. The first issue you must resolve is whether or not you are a "qualifying child." Look at the link below, starting at page 19, looking at it from your guardians' perspective. The main difference (in practical terms at least) is that as a qualifying child you need only live with them for over half the year. To be a "qualifying relative" requires you to live with them all year unless you are blood-related - see the list on page 20. For clarification, you were, I believe, a full-time student for at least five months (you were in high school) so your gross income does not matter when determining your status.

If you conclude that you are a dependent, you cannot take the Personal Exemption but you can take either the standard or itemized deductions.

Publication 501 is also worth a read and that link is below too.

Feel free to ask more questions. There are a few tax pros on here who are happy to help.

Answer 2

The key is that you are under the age of 19 at the end of the year. If you qualify as a dependent, and it sounds as if you do, then they can claim you. If they choose not to claim you anyway, you can not claim yourself. Only one taxpayer is entitled to claim an exemption for a person and if they choose not to take the claim, no-one else can take it, either.

Answer 3

When you are filing with the IRS, their should be a question regarding whether or not you could be claimed by someone else for part of the year. If I am not mistaken. Good luck to you.

Answer 4

you CAN be claimed by your parents on their tax return. because you 17 when the year started, and you lived at home. that doesnt mean that they HAVE to claim you. work with them and find out who gets the better tax benefit by claiming you (more than likely them) and then do it that way and split the return!

big money for you!!

Answer 5

Were you a full-time student? If so, they can still claim you -- even if you worked. But if you worked someplace as a consultant and they did not take taxes, you have to file.