Best Answer: Age- it is you age as of January 1- doesn't matter that you turn 24 next month. (You have to be born before January 1, 1985 to be considered independent). If you are beginning graduate studies, then you are independent. Other ways are if married, have a child, or parents are dead. Doesn't matter if they give you a penny all year, if you don't pass these tests, then you are a dependent.