Can my parents legally claim me as a dependent?

well if you lived with them more than half the year then yes they can claim you. if not, then no. depending on how old you are and weather or not your in school.

if your over 18 and under 24 and in school then yes they can. if your over 18 and not in school then no they cannot. but if you lived with them then can use you for claiming HOH but not as a dependent.

You have not provided enough information to answer your question.

If you were under age 19 or under age 24 if a full time student as of Dec 31st AND did not provide more than half of your OWN support AND you lived in their home for more that half of the year then they can claim you as a dependent and you lose your personal exemption.

If you don't meet the age tests above, they can claim you as a dependent if you had less than $3,500 in gross income AND they provided more than half of your support.

If they can claim you as a dependent you lose your personal exemption even if they don't claim you.

If you cannot be claimed as a dependent then you must file a paper return by mail. The IRS will then contact you and your parents and ask you for proof of your claim. They will then award the exemption based upon the law and the information that you both provide.

If you cannot be claimed as a dependent then your parents will get a bill for the extra tax that they owe. If it's past the April 15th filing deadline when this is resolved they will also have penalties and interest to pay.

If you can be claimed as a dependent, they IRS will adjust your return and send you whatever refund you are owed or send you a bill for any tax that you owe

It's not ridiculous, it's the law.

Just call the IRS and tell them that you have been living on your own for the last 8 months and ask them what info they need from you to prove this.

if you lived with them for the majority of 2008 they can claim you

How old are you? Are you in college?