<prompt> Human: I only recently started working, I got hired in late October. A few weeks ago I was given a W2 form. I just turned 19 but I dont even know where to begin with taxes or anything, so I asked my mom for advice and she said shed handle it. Well when I went to look for my W2 it wasnt in my work bag, and my mom said she took it because she was going to get more money on her tax return. So does that basically mean she stole my tax return? She said it like she was doing it knowing I wouldnt get anything but again, I dont know much on the subject. Any advice is greatly appreciated. Im just trying to make sure I dont get ripped off. Im already penny pinching as it is.  <response>: Your mother cannot include your W-2 income on her taxes. Your Soc Sec number is linked to this income.Your mom does not need your W-2 in order to claim you as a dependent on her taxes.Your mom can claim you as a dependent even though you are also filing your taxes. Apparently some people mistakenly think that they lose the ability to claim a child as a dependent if the child files. That is a misconception, and maybe your mother feels she would lose some benefit if you file, and she just hid your W-2? She doesnt lose the benefit. She still gets to claim you as a dependent.There is not something more she gets by preventing you from filing. If you have a filing requirement, she should not block you from filing.If you do not have a filing requirement say, if you earned under 6300 you should still file, because any income tax taken via withholding would be sent back to you as a refund.Talk to her. There is a small chance that by handling it she meant she would prepare her taxes and prepare your taxes, and then after you review them, you would sign and send yours in. I doubt it, but it cant hurt to ask. 