I'm 20 and my parents have claimed me as a dependant for taxes but this year I'll be claiming myself. hoe would this effect my taxes?thanks!?

The exemption for you eliminates $4,000 of taxable income.

If you allow them to claim you and they give you the money that they get for you then yes let them. It will be more than you'll get back filing independently. But if your not living w them they cannot claim you as a dependent. And if they have claimed you already then no you can't even file except for state. :( They have to have your W2's in order to file.

depends on how much you made. Claiming yourself might or might not give you a bigger refund.

You cannot claim yourself if they already claimed you - you can still make $6300 before you would have any tax liability - if they paid >50% of your food, shelter and utilities, they are entitled to claim you