Can i amend and take one of my dependents off so my spouse can claim that dependent instead?

[SabrinaD2]

Yes, you can amend your tax return to remove a dependent so your spouse can claim them instead. To amend your 2024 tax return in TurboTax, you need to wait until the IRS has processed your original return and you have received your refund or your payment has been processed. 

TurboTax typically makes the amendment option available starting in late February.

1. Once ready, sign in to your TurboTax account, access your return, and select "Amend (change) return." 
2. "Go to My Info" section and remove the dependent.
3. Follow all prompts to help ensure the dependent is removed.

For information about form availability, you can check the TurboTax Link on a daily basis.

[xmasbaby0]

Are you and your spouse filing separate returns?   If you already claimed the child, even if you amend and remove the child as a dependent ----no one else can e-file with that child's SSN on their return this year.   Your spouse will have to file by mail.  He does not have to wait for you to amend; anyone else is now blocked from using the child's SSN on an e-filed return this year.

[Rdabney35]

Married filing jointly 

[xmasbaby0]

@Rdabney35  If you are filing a joint return what is the confusion regarding claiming the child?  That makes no sense.  When you file a joint return, you file ONE tax return as a married couple and all of your income, all of your dependents and all of your information goes on that one return.  There is no one parent claiming a child and the other one not claiming the child if you file jointly.  You claim the child together on the joint return.

If you and your spouse were confused about how to file a joint return----that is the bigger issue that needs to be sorted out.   

Please explain exactly what you and your spouse did so we can help you sort it out and file correctly.

[Rdabney35]

We are filing jointly but separate returns. We were both supposed to file a child on each return from my understanding. 

[xmasbaby0]

You are very confused.  There is no such thing as filing jointly but separate returns.   

If you were legally married at the end of 2024 your filing choices are married filing jointly or married filing separately.

When you file a joint return, all of the information for both spouses goes on only ONE tax return.   All your income, all your spouse's income, all of the dependents, all the credits and deductions----all on one return ---and then the refund comes with both names on it.

If you file married filing separately, then you each file your own return and you can split up who claims the child, who uses which deductions, etc. etc and you each enter only your own income on your own return.  That takes TWO tax forms and you pay TurboTax twice--once for each return.    There are strict rules for MFS----and one of them is that a specific child's SSN can only be on one of your returns.

Married Filing Jointly is usually better, even if one spouse had little or no income. When you file a joint return, you and your spouse will get the married filing jointly standard deduction of $29,200 (+ $1550 for each spouse 65 or older)  for 2024. You are eligible for more credits including education credits, earned income credit, child and dependent care credit, and a larger income limit to receive the child tax credit. 

If you choose to file married filing separately, both spouses have to file the same way—either you both itemize or you both use standard deduction. Your tax rate will be higher than on a joint return.

 Some of the special rules for filing separately include: you cannot get earned income credit, education credits, adoption credits, or deductions for student loan interest. A higher percent of your Social Security benefits may be taxable. Your limit for SALT (state and local taxes and sales tax) will be only $5000 per spouse. In many cases you will not be able to take the child and dependent care credit. The amount you can contribute to a retirement account will be affected. If you live in a community property state, you will be required to provide additional information regarding your spouse’s income. ( Community property states:  AZ, CA, ID, LA, NV, NM, TX, WA, WI)

 If  you are using online TurboTax to prepare your returns, you will need to prepare two separate returns and pay twice since with online, you get one return per fee.

https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tips/marriage/should-you-and-your-spouse-file-taxes-jointly-or-separ...

https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/income/getting-married-mean-taxes/L2Rgma...

https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/taxation/married-filing-separately-commu...