<prompt> Human: Hi there,Im a 22 year old college student in Norman, OK with a plan on graduating by Dec. 2016 with a bachelors degree. I am a full time student during the school year and work 25-30 hours a week so that I can pay for my rent, food, utilities, books, gas for my car, clothes, etc. The thing is, my mom claims me as a dependent because as she says, Im on her phone plan and she pays for my car insurance. Ive never questioned it because I am actually really thankful for that amount of help she provides me each month. Ive lived on my own for nearly 3 years now and honestly receive NO help other than phone and car insurance. Should I keep allowing her to claim me as a dependent? Would I be better off getting my own phone plancar insurance policy or would it not be economically wise? car is 90month and phone is 60month I dont know the pros and cons of being a dependent or not in this situation and was hoping you guys could provide me with some insighthelp.Thank you.Assistant: You arent her dependent for tax purposes unless she pays for at least 50 of your expenses among other things. Her paying for your phone and car insurance does not make you her dependent. She is committing tax fraud by claiming you.Human: I love my mom, we have our differences, but I love her. With that being said, Ive always had a feeling there was more in it for her when claiming me as a dependent because the one or two times I have brought up me claiming myself as independent, she would act like it wasnt even an option. She works for herself, so I dont know if that makes any differences either.  <response>: Assuming she earns more than you then its more beneficial for her to claim you. But that doesnt make it legal. I have brought up me claiming myself as independent, she would act like it wasnt even an optionShe either doesnt understand taxes or is lying. 