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Level 2
June 15, 2019
Question

Changing the dependent status on a filed return

  • June 15, 2019
  • 5 replies
  • 16 views

My 26-year-old son made just $1,000 working and lived with us the entire year (2018). When he completed his return he stated someone else could and would claim him as a dependent  (my husband and I).  He filed on time and received a nominal refund. My husband and I filed an extension, but now as we are working on preparing our taxes, we find we should NOT claim him as a dependent.  I know we can just remove him from our personal section, but should he file a 1040X? He'll get a bit more back from the IRS and, more importantly, his return would be corrected, right?

    5 replies

    Level 15
    June 17, 2019
    If he lived with you the entire year and you provided more than half of his support and he only earned $1,000, he qualifies as your qualifying relative so you can claim him.
    VolvoGirl
    Level 15
    June 17, 2019

    Why shouldn't you claim him or not want to?  Is it because of the health ins?  Did he not have any?

    soccermumAuthor
    Level 2
    June 17, 2019

    He aged out of my employer insurance mid-2018.  I think it will cause problems with his continuing to obtain affordable health insurance if he is our dependent. When he first signed up, the description of household was "anyone he could claim as a dependent," which was just him so he qualified for Medicaid. Now, when he went to renew, the questions all referred back to our work status, income, etc. , since he answered he could be claimed as a dependent.