When MUST I claim myself on taxes?

If you are a full-time student for any part of five months during a year, your parents can claim you until the year when you turn 24, then they can't claim you any more. If you aren't in school full time for at least the five months, they can't claim you starting with the tax year when you turn 19. If your parents can claim you, whether they do or not, you can't claim yourself.

You are never required to take your own personal exemption. However, if you do not take your own exemption, and your parents are not qualified to take your exemption, then they may not take your exemption. You cannot give your exemption to anyone. The other person must qualify to take your exemption.

You can take your own exemption when you provide over half of your own support, at any age.

If you do not provide over half of your own support, and you lived with your parents over half the year, they can claim you if

1. You are under age 19.

2. You are under age 24 and a full-time student

They can also claim you if you lived with them for the full year, they provided over half of your support, and you had income subject to tax of $3,400 or less.

You can claim yourself when you no longer qualify as your parent's dependent. When you get your tax book, read the instructions about dependents.

If you are in school they can claim you till you are 24, otherwise they can claim you till you are 19 years.