I have a domestic partnership with my girlfriend and her child and I *have been* taking care of them For more than a year or two. I'm certain he put him as my stepchild. I am the head of the household And my partner did not make enough to file last year. I know I should have had my refund by now. But now I'm worried about this error. Can someone please tell me what I'm supposed to do?
As you are not related to your girlfriend's child, you cannot claim the child as your stepchild.
You could claim the child as a "qualified relative" if he/she passes all the following tests:
If you did claim the child as your stepchild, you must amend your return(s) as he/she would not be entitled to the Child tax credit.
Edited 02/18/20 | 01:56 PM PST
I edited the post and put have been taking care of them. It was an error.
If you need to make changes to a return that was already filed and accepted, you will need to amend your return. Please click here for instructions.