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Level 2
posted Mar 31, 2020 3:37:41 PM

Amending a return to remove dependent for stimulus.

My adult son earned taxable income in 2019 and we filed his income taxes before our own. In the question about if he can be a dependent on another persons tax form, we checked yes but that he wouldn't be. As it turns out, when we filed ours, we learned he couldn't be a dependent on ours anyway. Fast forward and the stimulus states that adult dependents can't receive anything. I looked at his return and despite us saying he wouldn't be claimed as a dependent, the box on his form is checked saying he can be claimed as a dependent. Should we amend his return to state that he can't be claimed as a dependent? Thanks in advance for the education.

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24 Replies
Expert Alumni
Apr 1, 2020 10:52:17 AM

Yes,  Provided that you're sure he is not being claimed on your return.  It may give him an additional refund regardless of the stimulus, and the stimulus would be a bonus.

 

If you've filed your return and need to add additional information, then you will have to prepare an amended return in TurboTax.

 

If you used TurboTax Online, simply log in to your account and select “Amend a return that was filed and accepted.” 

 

If you used our CD/download product, sign back into your return and select “Amend a filed return.” You must file a separate Form 1040X for each tax return you are amending.

 

Amend ONLINE    OR     Amend CD/Download       Amend 2016 - 2019

 

You will have to mail the amended return.  The IRS limits the system to only one Social Security number or Tax ID  to be E-Filed.  This is to guard against fraudulent tax returns.

Level 2
Apr 1, 2020 3:47:24 PM

Thanks. He wasn't claimed on ours. It didn't affect his refund but we don't want to impact his eligibility for the stimulus because of this error. Thanks again for the information.

New Member
Apr 14, 2020 11:44:33 AM

Yeah I’m in the same situation, I filed that I could be claimed as a dependent but I couldn’t, and now my parents got their stimulus check but I haven’t gotten mine, I qualify completely until the “can be claimed as a dependent” part.

Expert Alumni
Apr 14, 2020 12:11:23 PM

If you wanted the payment this year, you would need to amend your 2019 tax return. 

 

The stimulus payment is an advance on a tax credit for the 2020 tax year. If you are a dependent in 2019, but not in 2020, you will not receive a stimulus payment this year, but will receive one when you file your taxes next year. 

 

If you amend your 2019 tax return, you would not get the payment until after the return has processed. The IRS is not currently processing mail-in returns and amended returns are mail-in. Generally, a mail-in amended return takes 6 weeks to process, but at this point, it is impossible to tell how long it would take. 

 

@Zachvann98

Level 1
Apr 15, 2020 11:02:41 AM

Hi There,

 

So I too accidentally put that someone could claim me as a dependent when I filed my taxes in February but my parents filed their taxes in late February claiming no dependents. I received my original return and all and then I sent in my amended return back in early March to note that NO ONE can claim me as a dependent and I that am the head of household.  The IRS received it on March 9.  Whenever the IRS re-opens and processes my amended return, will I get the stimulus check then? Please let me know. Thanks in advance for the help. I can't find this anywhere on the web or IRS website.

 

Expert Alumni
Apr 15, 2020 12:59:55 PM

Yes once the amendment is processed to correct your dependent status, as long as you meet the income qualification (less than $112,500 for head of household filers), you will receive a stimulus payment for you and your qualifying child.  

Level 2
Apr 15, 2020 2:19:35 PM

"Yes once the amendment is processed to correct your dependent status, as long as you meet the income qualification (less than $112,500 for head of household filers), you will receive a stimulus payment for you and your qualifying child. "

 

 

What's the source for this?

 

Will you receive the stimulus check along with the amended return money or as a separate check, or when you file in 2021? I just mailed my 1040X in but their office is closed until further notice.

 

I too was tricked by the TurboTax dependent question that someone can claim me but they won't.

Expert Alumni
Apr 16, 2020 8:30:14 AM

Here is the IRS site where you can check qualifications.  The stimulus payment this year is separate from any tax refunds.  They will however be paid the same way.  If you elected direct deposit on your tax return for your refund, your stimulus payment will also be a direct deposit, but a separate transaction from your tax refund.

Level 3
Apr 23, 2020 7:23:31 PM

Thank you @JohnB5677 for the information.  We had the exact same scenario as @Smedley except on 2018 taxes and neither our daughter or we have filed yet for 2019.  She was not claimed as a dependent on our 2018 taxes when filed and cannot be for 2018 based on the rules as I understand them. 

 

She went ahead and filed an amendment for 2018 but it looks like it won't be processed now for awhile.  Will the IRS still be processing stimulus payments after this first "go-round"?  When she files the 2019 return I think she will go back to a dependent status because she's a full time student.  If the 2019 return is processed before the amended 2018 return, will she still be eligible for the $1200 stimulus as an actual payment or credit for 2020?

New Member
Apr 30, 2020 7:00:33 AM

Hi.  I claimed my 19 year old as a dependent on our returns.  She checked the "can be claimed as dependent" on her return.   If I amend my return, I will pay back a substantial amount of money.  The question is if I amend my return, will she still qualify for the stimulus money?  Do we both have to file amendments?  I want to do what is right for her as she recently lost her job because of layoffs.  Thank you for your response.

New Member
May 4, 2020 11:17:51 AM

Hello, My daughter (adult disabled) both receive Soc. Sec. checks each month. Because she also worked a part-time job and her income was higher then mine, I did her taxes showing her as HoH and she claimed me on her return, that was filed and she received her refund and stimulus. I didn't have to file, but saw that I would need to for the stimulus (before they said filing wasn't needed). I filed with a 0 adj gross income. Because I was claimed on her return, I didn't receive the stim payment. Is there any way to change this? I could really use the $1200!! Thank you!

Expert Alumni
May 6, 2020 9:32:10 AM
New Member
Jun 11, 2020 3:48:43 PM

Can someone please help me! I am trying to remove a dependent from my tax return so that he can receive a stimulus check. I am so confused and always use Turbo tax because it is easy! I need help! He is my boyfriend, and he does not work, but he lives with me so he said it would be OK to add him as a dependent and claim head of household. But, I think it is better that he receive a stimulus check. Can someone please tell me SPECIFICALLY where on my return I can make this change? Is it for State or Federal? I only get lost when I go back in to change any information. Uggh!! I am so lost!! Thank you in advance!! 

Level 15
Jun 11, 2020 4:09:42 PM

@kelwithaneye Slow down.  Did you file the tax return yet?  Or is there still time to make changes BEFORE you file it?

Returning Member
Jul 12, 2020 10:05:25 PM

Not kelwithaneye but similar situation with my dad trying to take off my brother. He has already filed and been approved. Does my dad have to edit through the whole thing again or only the dependent portions (and education tax credit)? Thanks in advance!

Expert Alumni
Jul 13, 2020 8:35:23 AM

See this TurboTax FAQ for help with amending.

Returning Member
Jul 18, 2020 8:31:31 PM

Hi  kelwithaneye,

 

I've been a tax preparer for several years now and find TurboTax to be a bit complex when it comes to submitting amendments, however, if you look just below the part which says "your tax returns & documents" (midway down the page) the current year should list options to "Amend (change) returns"....pick that option and then remove from your personal information your dependent.  For any other questions or for a pro, like me, to help you out send me your questions via FB consultusperu is my business page.  Best of luck to you!

Level 2
Aug 3, 2020 6:00:44 AM

Has anyone actually gotten their amended return processed or accepted by the IRS?

 

I mailed mine in on April 10th to change my incorrect status from dependent to independent, but their website still says "Your amended return information is currently unavailable in this application". I know they were closed for some time because of the pandemic, but at this point I don't think anyone will get their stimulus checks or subsequent aid until the next tax filing year, some even mailed theirs in on February and still nothing.

Level 15
Aug 3, 2020 6:04:57 AM

@cydb    The IRS has not been working on mailed returns until very recently---and an amended return can only be filed by mailing it in.  Under normal circumstances you would be able to see something about your mailed in Form 1040X after about three weeks, but that is not the case right now.  The usual 4 months for processing an amended return is going to take longer.  Sorry.

https://www.cnn.com/2020/04/20/politics/irs-mail-trailers-covid/index.html

 

 

MAILED RETURNS

Per the IRS website IRS Operations During COVID-19: Mission-critical functions continue 

IRS operational status and alternatives

Processing Delays for Paper Tax Returns: Taxpayers should file electronically through their tax preparer, tax software provider, or IRS Free File

We’re experiencing delays in processing paper tax returns due to limited staffing. If you already filed a paper return, we will process it in the order we received it.

Do not file a second tax return or contact the IRS about the status of your return.

 

 If you mail a tax return (or a payment) to the IRS, it is a good idea to use a mailing service that will track it like UPS or certified mail so you will know it was received.

 

 

 TurboTax will not know anything about your amended return, and nor will TT know that you put your 1040X  in an envelope and took it to a mailbox.  TurboTax does not get updates on mailed  (or e-filed) returns.

 

When the IRS finally opens its mail and begins to process mailed returns you can check the status on the IRS site.

https://www.irs.gov/Filing/Individuals/Amended-Returns-(Form-1040-X)/Wheres-My-Amended-Return-1

 

https://www.irs.gov/filing/individuals/amended-returns-form-1040-x/amended-return-frequently-asked-q...

Level 2
Aug 3, 2020 7:40:12 AM

Ours recently changed to received and being processed but with a note that we should call them. We haven't called yet.

Level 2
Aug 3, 2020 12:45:27 PM

Just got off the phone with the IRS. What we got is a standard response regarding 16 weeks having passed for processing (as in a normal year). Our amended return is currently being processed.Because of current events, the 16 week window started on Aug. 1. If our amended return is accepted, we won't see a check this year but should be able to claim on our 2020 taxes and get it then. If a second relief bill is passed and our amended return has been accepted, it's possible that my son could receive the second check this year. Hope that helps.

New Member
Dec 29, 2020 7:31:03 AM

Same situation here.  We amended my daughters 2019 to reflect that she cannot be used as a dependent.  The amended tax return was processed but she still has not received any stimulus payment and her amended 2019 was processed months ago.    How do we find out when it will be received?

Level 15
Dec 29, 2020 7:37:37 AM

@kaycholewinski - it will all be reconciled on the 2020 tax return; she will not receive it via the 2019 amendment

 

Look at Line 30 of Form 1040 closely as your daughter prepares her 2020 tax return; I suspect the 2nd stimulus will also appear there, but there is limited information currently.  

 

here is the IRS FAQ on the topic 

 

 

A8. Yes, the IRS will continue to process 2019 tax returns and issue payments in 2020 to individuals who have not already received a payment and have not already been determined to be ineligible based on their 2018 tax returns.

If you are in this situation and eligible for an Economic Impact Payment based on your 2019 federal tax return:

  • Your payments will be issued after your return is processed. Check your payment status in Get My Payment .
  • You will receive Notice 1444, Your Economic Impact Payment, after the payment is issued. Keep this notice with your 2020 tax records.

If your return is not processed in time to issue your payment this year, you may be eligible to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit when you file your 2020 tax return.

Level 2
Mar 20, 2021 3:08:47 PM

I amended my 2019 tax return to add my son and it was accepted recently by the irs(about 2.5 months ago) I filed already this year as well and still claim my son but I've gotten no stimulus for him at all. I couldn't even claim the rebate. I was told I have to write the irs asking for an updated form for such instances. But why didn't I get this stimulus still?