Child Tax Credit

[Phillisa]

My son filed a tax return for the 1st time in 2021. He is 18. We did not answer the question on his return yes that he can be claimed as a dependent. I filed claimed him. The return got rejected for this reason. 

Can this be fixed online or by calling the IRS? 

[bluedeb]

Calling the IRS will not change his return.  He would have to file an amended return (which can be e-filed), checking that he can be claimed by someone else.  Your return for e-file will continue to be rejected until his amended return has been fully processed.  An amended return can take 8 to 16 weeks to be processed.

You might want to mail in your return rather than wait that long, & at times the IRS never does clear their system for the rejection.

Amending Your Income Tax Return

https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tips/amend-return/amending-your-income-tax-return/L4B7pN42I

[LenaH]

Since your return got rejected, you will have to refile your return. This cannot be corrected via phone. 

First, please determine whether or not he is a dependent. Considering his age, it is highly likely that he is your dependent. He would be qualified as your dependent under the qualifying child rules if all of the following apply:

• He isn't claimed as a dependent by someone else.
• He is a U.S. citizen, resident alien, national, or a Canadian or Mexican resident.
• He isn't filing a joint return with his spouse.
• He is under the age of 19 (or 24 for full-time students).
  • No age limit for permanently and totally disabled.
• He lived with you for more than half the year (exceptions apply).
• He didn't provide more than half of his own support for the year.

If he meets all the criteria, then he will have to amend his return to indicate that he can be claimed as a dependent. 

Second, please follow the instructions on the page How to amend (change or correct) a return you've already filed to amend his return. 

Lastly, once his return is accepted, refile your return. You do not have to make changes to your return as you claimed him as a dependent originally.  

[SweetieJean]

Per the IRS:

Coronavirus Processing Delays

It’s taking us more than 20 weeks (instead of up to 16 weeks) to process amended returns. Do not file a second tax return or call the IRS.

Where's My Amended Return? | Internal Revenue Service (irs.gov)