Dependent Question

[Gerov]

When I was filing my 2020 tax return in February, I mistakenly marked myself as able to be claimed by someone else. No one else claimed me in their 2020 returns. I am afraid that this might effect my stimulus eligibility. However, I am not sure if I count as a dependent unless someone else has claimed me. Can someone help me answer this question, and let me know if I need to amend my return.

Does marking yourself as able to be claimed as a dependent cause you to be a dependent, or is it until after someone else has claimed you that the IRS recognizes you as one?

[gloriah5200]

If you checked the box, on your return, that says you can be claimed as a dependent; you will not be getting a stimulus check.  The IRS will not be checking to see if you were actually claimed.

This question has come up lot, here in this forum,  and what is not clear is: what happens if you file an amended return to uncheck that box. 

Currently IRS is still processing 2019 paper returns.  

For additional information refer to the following link:

Filed as a dependent of another

[Gerov]

See the thing is though, they did claim my sister and they could a stimulus check for her, as dependents are eligible for this third round of checks. Meaning that, even if I am a dependent, I am still eligible. The only issue is that no one else claimed me meaning that I am in a weird gray zone. Wherein I am eligible but they wouldn't know where or how to send it.

I am curious that if they are put in this situation, do they maybe send a paper check to the house, or do the default back onto me and direct deposit it?

[Gerov]

And to continue, I did receive my own tax refund in my bank account for the 2020 season.

[JotikaT2]

Actually, the person who claimed you as a dependent would be entitled to the third stimulus payment. I would suggest asking your parents if they did indeed claim you as a dependent or not first.  If they did, they will receive the stimulus payment for you.

How will the 3rd stimulus affect me

If they did not, then I'm assuming you reported that they did not claim you on your return and if so, the third stimulus payment should be sent to you assuming you meet all of the requirements based upon your 2020 income tax return.  

You can go onto the IRS website using the link below to track your payment to see if it has been issued or not.

IRS Get my payment link