Money & Debt

All workers who earned more than $12,950 must file an income tax return. Even if you earned less than that amount, you may still want to file taxes to receive refunds from federal and state withholding When an employer keeps some of a person's paycheck to cover their taxes taxes. 

If you’re between the ages of 19 and 24, just starting to work or in college, you may be wondering whether you should file your taxes as an independent taxpayer or as a dependent A person who relies on another for support, such as a child or person with a disability taxpayer. The answer A written statement used to respond to the complaint or petition in a lawsuit to this depends on a number of factors.

The IRS has a guided interview that can help you determine if you can be claimed as a dependent. When in doubt, it is always a good idea to get help with your taxes. Below, you can find some general information.

Full-time college students

If you are a full time college student, your parent(s) can claim you as a dependent until you are 24 years old. A full-time college student who is younger than 24 and does not provide more than half of their own support is generally a dependent. Learn more about filing taxes as a student through the IRS toolbox for students. 

Part-time college students

A full-time student is a student who is enrolled for the number of hours or courses the school considers to be full-time attendance. If you are enrolled for less than your school’s requirements, you are a part-time student.

Part-time students who make more than $4,400 a year are likely not dependents. 

For non-students

If you are not a student, your parent(s) can claim you as a dependent until you are 19 years old. 

Taxpayers with a permanent disability

There’s no age limit to claim a person as a dependent if the person is “permanently and totally disabled.”