Amending Dependency Status

[spichon]

The 1040X generated in 2020 Turbo after amending my dependency status from "someone can claim me" to independent has columns A, B, and C blank other than line 18 showing the amount of refund I received on the original 1040 and line 19 showing same amount only negative.  The 1st and 2nd stimulus of $1800 which I never received before now showing as credit on line 30 of the new amended 1040.  Is that the way it's supposed to be?

Thanks,

~S

[SweetieJean]

Yes, that's the way it is supposed to appear.

But were you truly Independent for 2020?   The trigger is whether someone can claim you, not whether they actually did.  There have been reports of parents not claiming their dependents so that their kids can get a stimulus payment.   But that's not how it works.  If you qualify to be a dependent, you are not eligible for stimulus.

[JeffreyR77]

There should be values in some of the columns of A, B, and C. 

Column A should have the income from which your refund was based on. 

Line 15 Columns B, and  C  should have the Recovery Rebate Credit you are now eligible for. 

This value should continue through the remainder of the Form 1040-X to calculate line 21.

[spichon]

Thanks JeffreyR77,

Since I'm not changing any dollar amount I found this para in the 1040X instructions that I think applies to my situation:

"You are only changing information. If you aren’t changing

any dollar amounts you originally reported, but are changing

information, do the following.

• Check the box for the calendar year or enter the other calendar or fiscal year you are amending.

• Complete name, current address, and SSN.
• Complete Part I, Exemptions and Dependents, on page 2, if you are changing your exemption, or, for 2018 or later years, dependent, information that doesn’t change any dollar amounts"

If I understand this correctly this instruction would leave the 3 columns blank.  What do you think?

Thanks,

~S

[DianeW777]

Yes, that is correct as long as no dollar amounts change on the tax return. Since you are now filing as independent (not being claimed by someone else) then the dollar amounts on your return will change because you would be eligible for stimulus at the very least.

It's important to know that this is not optional or a choice.  The rules for claiming a dependent are relevant. If you do not pay more than half of your own support, then you will not be allowed to claim yourself or be independent.  This is a rule on who has the right to claim a dependent. If your parents paid more than half of your support (living expenses and college, etc), then only they can claim you.

The instructions you show do come directly from the Form 1040X instructions, page 9.