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New Member
posted Jun 7, 2019 4:03:20 PM

How can I remove a dependent after I filed. I made a mistake

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20 Replies
Level 15
Jun 7, 2019 4:03:21 PM

 You cannot change or add anything on the return that you just e-filed, nor can you stop it.  It is too late, just like when you put an envelope in a US mailbox

If you left out a W-2, or a dependent, or a 1099 etc…DO NOT change your return while it is pending.  The changes will go nowhere.

Now you have to wait until the IRS either rejects or accepts your return.  If your return is rejected, you will be able to go into your account and make the necessary changes to your tax return and re-submit your return. 

 If the IRS accepts your return, however, then you have to wait longer until it has been fully processed and you have received your refund.  THEN you can prepare an amended tax return and mail it in. You have to be able to work from that return exactly the way it was when it was e-file originally.  You will need to use a form called a 1040X. You cannot e-file an amended return.  They have to be mailed, and it takes at least 2-4 months for the IRS to process an amended return.  Meanwhile, DO NOT go in and start changing anything on your return in the system, or you will make a mess for yourself.  Sit tight and wait until you see what the IRS does with the return you just e-filed

New Member
Jun 7, 2019 4:03:23 PM

How can we check the status that the irs has accepted the 1040x so that the other spouse can now file?

Level 15
Jun 7, 2019 4:03:24 PM

Oh, so the wrong parent claimed a dependent?  The parent who is supposed to claim the dependent has to file on paper--print, sign and mail the return.  Once the dependent's SSN is in the system as having been used on a tax return you cannot e-file.  There is no reason to wait for the other person's amended return to be approved.  It takes 3-4 months for an amended return to be processed, and even then, the SSN entry will not be corrected for some time.
In answer to your question about how to check on an amended return that you mailed to the IRS: Wait about 3 weeks and you can check the status of your amended return:
<a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://www.irs.gov/Filing/Individuals/Amended-Returns-(Form-1040-X)/Wheres-My-Amended-Return-1">https://www.irs.gov/Filing/Individuals/Amended-Returns-(Form-1040-X)/Wheres-My-Amended-Return-1</a>

New Member
Mar 15, 2021 12:43:10 PM

My state and Federal taxes has been approved and I would like to take my dependent off of my tax return before getting receiving my refund. Am I able to do that. 

Returning Member
Jan 29, 2022 11:58:36 AM

My Daughter's father accidentally claimed her on his taxes. He is waiting to get the 1040X to remove her. In the mean time, I tried to claim her and got rejected when I e-filed ( which is how I found out he claimed her). Anyways, do I have to wait to submit my taxes with her as a dependent until after he is allowed to start amending his taxes to remove her which won't be till March? How does this work? Thanks for any help!

Expert Alumni
Jan 30, 2022 1:48:27 PM

Yes, until the IRS records are updated to reflect the fact that the daughter's father is no longer claiming the daughter as a dependent, each time you elect to claim the daughter, your return will be rejected.  The daughter's father may not need to wait until March to begin the amendment process.  As soon as the daughter's father's return is "accepted" by the IRS, the daughter's father can amend the return in question, remove the daughter as a claimed dependent, and thereafter e-file the amended return.  Amended returns can be e-filed through TurboTax.

 

When the IRS "accepts" a return, the IRS is essentially stating that IRS records match the income entries on a taxpayer's return.  It does not mean that after further review, the IRS may reject, or otherwise request additional information from the taxpayer concerning the return.  Acceptance of a return can occur within 48 hours assuming the entries were correct when entered.  Thus, you might want to reach out to the daughter's father and request that the amendment process begin as soon as the return in question has been accepted.  

Level 15
Jan 30, 2022 3:42:47 PM

@mikeyd90512 You cannot e-file this year no matter how soon the other parent amends.     The child's SSN has been put into the system already and that will not change soon enough for you to e-file.   Print sign and mail your own return that claims the child.

 

When you mail a tax return, you need to attach any documents showing tax withheld, such as your W-2’s or any 1099’s.  Use a mailing service that will track it, such as UPS or certified mail so you will know the IRS/state received the return.

Federal and state returns must be in separate envelopes and they are mailed to different addresses.  Read the mailing instructions that print with your tax return carefully so you mail them to the right addresses.

New Member
Feb 7, 2022 10:41:36 AM

So if i understand, the 1040X efiled will not remove the dependent from the IRS system ( probably because it take agent interaction ), and the correct parent still needs to paper file the return.

Level 15
Feb 7, 2022 10:42:18 AM

Yes right

Returning Member
Mar 22, 2022 5:30:06 PM

How can I remove a dependent on my return I made a mistake 

Expert Alumni
Mar 22, 2022 6:02:38 PM

If your return has been transmitted and rejected by the IRS, you can correct your tax return and re-transmit.

 

If your return has been transmitted and accepted by the IRS, you can amend your Federal 1040 tax return.

 

If you used TurboTax Online, simply log in to your account and select “Amend a return that was filed and accepted.” 

 

If you used the CD/download product, sign back into your return and select “Amend a filed return.”

 

You must file a separate Form 1040-X for each tax return you are amending.

 

To remove a dependent, click on My Info down the left side of the screen.  Then click the trashcan Delete icon to the right of the dependent that needs to be removed.

 

See also this TurboTax Help.

 

@Krystalmathieu

New Member
Feb 13, 2023 11:35:31 AM

As the parent who is claiming the child that has already mistakenly been claimed, do I need to mention that on my printed tax return before I mail it out? My ex is going to begin the amendment process but do I need to let the IRS know that or is there a place to write that information in?

Level 15
Feb 13, 2023 11:40:58 AM

@xmetzger10 No you do not need to write anything on your return about the "ex" who claimed the child by mistake.  And you do not have to wait for him to amend.   You can mail in your return when you have it ready.

 

 

When you mail a tax return, you need to attach any documents showing tax withheld, such as your W-2’s or any 1099’s.  Use a mailing service that will track it, such as UPS or certified mail so you will know the IRS/state received the return.

Federal and state returns must be in separate envelopes and they are mailed to different addresses.  Read the mailing instructions that print with your tax return carefully so you mail them to the right addresses.

New Member
Feb 22, 2023 11:49:30 AM

My child's father was supposed to claim my child, I claimed him instead. I have amended my return to remove the dependent. It was efiled and has been accepted. My childs father also amended his return to add the dependent. It is still rejecting my childs social security number. How soon can he efile his amended return? 

Level 15
Feb 22, 2023 11:51:57 AM

@Jshaye89 The dad cannot e-file this year ever.  It takes months for an amended return to be processed.  You put the child's SSN into the system for this year.  The only way that the dad can file and claim the child is to file by mail.  He will have to print, sign and mail his return and wait longer for it to be processed.

 

When you mail a tax return, you need to attach any documents showing tax withheld, such as your W-2’s or any 1099’s.  Use a mailing service that will track it, such as UPS or certified mail so you will know the IRS/state received the return.

Federal and state returns must be in separate envelopes and they are mailed to different addresses.  Read the mailing instructions that print with your tax return carefully so you mail them to the right addresses.

New Member
Feb 22, 2023 12:00:05 PM

Thank you for your response. The issue here is that the father is self-employed and currently has to pay in $1000. Unless he gets the return with the dependent claimed and get the EIC credit, he will not be able to pay what he owes in taxes. Is there any way that this process can be sped up?

 

Level 15
Feb 22, 2023 12:03:25 PM

@Jshaye89 No.   Sorry---there is no way to speed up the IRS.   Millions of people wish they could.  This problem was caused by your mistake, and now the other parent is suffering the consequences.    Maybe you could loan him some money til he gets his refund.

Level 3
Apr 22, 2023 6:29:32 PM

So if I want to claim my brother as a depended and my mother would like to remove him, I should mail the return instead of waiting for my mom to receive her refund and file an amended form? My e-file was just rejected. 

Level 15
Apr 23, 2023 6:55:30 AM

@Tommyleedoggy You will not ever be able to e-file a return claiming your brother as your dependent even if your mother amends.  She put his SSN in the system and it will not be corrected in the system for a very long time.  If you are the one who can claim your brother then your own return can only be filed by mail.

 

When you mail a tax return, you need to attach any documents showing tax withheld, such as your W-2’s or any 1099’s.  Use a mailing service that will track it, such as UPS or certified mail so you will know the IRS/state received the return.

Federal and state returns must be in separate envelopes and they are mailed to different addresses.  Read the mailing instructions that print with your tax return carefully so you mail them to the right addresses.

Returning Member
May 17, 2023 8:59:36 AM

Hello, I claimed my mom on my taxes this year because she lives with me and I help her out. it was accepted by the IRS. But I then received a letter that I was missing her marketplace health info.

she gets a credit that equaled out to $10,000 for help with insurance. It’s simply isn’t worth claiming her, as I would owe more. can I amend this if I have not received my tax return because they were missing her market health place info?  Or do I have to send in the 8962tax form info they are requesting, receive my tax return money, and then amend for her to be taken off??! Please help! I do not know what to do.