Filed amended tax return so my spouse can claim the kids

You don't have to do anything. Your husband has to file his tax return by mail. Even though you amended your return, the IRS does not update its e-file database, so it will continue to reject your husband's e-file.

He files on paper. 

Your spouse will have to print and mail the return to get it accepted. Amended returns take several months to process so your spouse will not be able to efile the return until the amended return is processed. Accepted is not the same as being processed. 

Why is this? What if my spouse’s amended return has been processed, but my efile was still rejected? While would print/mail be any different? 

@Alexroet 

See the reply to your separate, more detailed question. Filing by mail is different because the IRS does not automatically reject mailed tax returns. Mailed paper returns are not accepted or rejected the same way as e-filed returns. Just file by mail. You have no choice. This is the way it works. It happens all the time. There is no other issue.

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@Alexroet wrote:

Why is this? What if my spouse’s amended return has been processed, but my efile was still rejected? While would print/mail be any different? 

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E-filed returns must pass a series of basic checks, like name, SSN, and dependents.  For whatever reason, the IRS does not update the database they use for this purpose.  Even if you amended return is process and the children were removed, that will not allow your spouse's return to clear the e-filing system.  It's just how the system works, and only a computer programmer at the IRS could tell you why. 

I’m in a similar situation. I filed our children under me as dependents by accident. I was comparing our credits, huge difference between me claiming versus him. I’m going to amend mine on the 15th when turbo opens amendments. I’m not suppose to get a return until mid March anyway due to PATH. So I’m not worried. It’ll be a delay but I rather correct it and get our max credits than not. Good luck! Oh and I may have to amend via mail if it’s rejected by e file 

Thank you for this, I needed to know as well. I’m amending 2024 taxes. Changing from HOH and removing claimed dependents, so husband can claim them

@Slumbergirl92  If you e-filed first and your return was accepted, you will need to amend later if you should not have claimed the dependents.  But the other parent who can claim the dependents will not be able to e-file at all this year.   Your use of the childrens' SSN's has blocked them from e-filing, so the other parent will have to file by mail.

@Slumbergirl92  We must have been typing at the same time.  Now you posted above that you and your husband are filing....please explain.  You cannot file as Head of Household unless you and your husband have lived apart for at least the last six months of 2024 and you have the children.   If you and your husband live together with your children, and you are legally married, your filing choices are to file married filing jointly or married filing separately.

The e-file system will not recognize the amendment, which takes many months to process.  Once a social security number is "used" in this system, it's generally not able to be used a second time on any return during the same processing year. 

However, new for tax year 2024 is a way for the other parent to still e-file. 

In order to e-file, the other parent will need to obtain an IPPIN before trying to file again.  

Instructions for how to obtain an IPPIN may be found HERE.  Once the other parent has the IPPIN, HERE is how to enter it into TurboTax.

Please note that if multiple submissions have already been made that exceed the IRS allowable "tries" for e-filing (generally five), then it can still be rejected even after the IPPIN has been entered.  

@Slumbergirl92  
@Andreanna92