How to Claim Independent on Taxes

When young adults leave home, independence means more freedom as well as a responsibility to file tax returns.

If you earn wages while you still live at home as a dependent child, your parents often will claim an exemption for you as a dependent on their tax return. That's because your parents are in a higher tax bracket and can derive more benefit by claiming you are a dependent. When you finish school and leave home, you will file your tax return as an individual and your parents will no longer claim you as a dependent. By claiming an exemption for yourself on your personal tax return, you are claiming to be independent of your parents and filing as an individual taxpayer.

Things You'll Need

• Form 1040

Instructions

1. Obtain a Form 1040. You can download the form from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) website (see Resources) or pick up a copy at any post office during tax filing season.

2. Enter your personal information at the top of Form 1040. For "Filing Status," check the status that applied to you on December 31 of the tax filing year.

3. Check the box on line 6a. Checking this box is how you claim yourself as an exemption on your tax return. Before selecting this box, make sure your parents are not claiming you as a dependent on their return, assuming they have the legal right to do so.

4. Finish preparing your tax return and submit it to the IRS.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are uncertain about how to prepare your tax return, consider purchasing tax preparation software or hiring a tax professional.

Resources

• IRS: Form 1040 (U.S. Individual Income Tax Return)