If I was claimed by my parents as a dependent, but I accidentally selected “no” is this something that needs to be fixed/what would be the steps to fixing this?

[hockey-aiden19]

First time ever filing had help but we kinda went fast through that section

[xmasbaby0]

Who filed first?   If you filed first, after saying that no one can claim you, you will cause your parent's return to be rejected by the IRS when they try to e-file.    If they filed first and claimed you, then your return that says no one can claim you will be rejected and you will need to change how you answer the question about whether you can be claimed and re-file.

If you filed first:

I SHOULD HAVE SAID I COULD BE CLAIMED AS A DEPENDENT

Did you say you could not be claimed as someone else’s dependent, but it turns out your parent(s) can claim you?  Now your parents’ return is being rejected when they e-file, or it will be rejected. 

Your part in fixing this will be to wait until the IRS has fully processed your tax return, and then you must amend your own return.  You use a form called a 1040X.   You will go to MY INFO and go through the interview questions to the one that asks if someone else can claim you as a dependent.  Say YES.

Meanwhile, your parent(s) do not need to wait for you to amend.  Waiting will not help them at all.   They can either print, sign and date their return in ink, and file it by mail.

OR

GET IP pin in order to e-file if your dependent’s SSN was claimed on another return

https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-takes-steps-to-help-prevent-refund-delays-by-accepting-duplicate-de...

https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/get-an-identity-protection-pin

If you are the parent whose e-file has been rejected—- follow the steps above to file your own tax return that claims your child.

If it is any comfort, you (and your parents) are among many young tax filers who make this mistake.  We will be seeing plenty of posts just like yours.   And posts from the parents whose e-files were rejected....

[hockey-aiden19]

I filed second, so what would be the steps for correcting this?

[GabiU]

@hockey-aiden19 Check out this article: How do I amend my federal tax return for this year? Let us know if that helps point you in the right direction. 

[xmasbaby0]

 If your parents filed first and your return is being rejected, you should be able to go to MY INFO, click your name and go through the screens to the question that asks if you can be claimed as someone else's dependent.   Change your answer and say YES, then try to re-file.   If you are still unable to e-file, then file it by mail.   Print, sign and date your return in ink, and mail it. 

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.

@hockey-aiden19

[hockey-aiden19]

So my returns both state and federal got accepted, so what are the steps necessary with now knowing this?

[xmasbaby0]

@hockey-aiden19 If your own returns were accepted, but you answered incorrectly when asked if you can be claimed, then wait for the returns to be fully processed and amend by changing your answer in MY INFO as explained earlier.   If your parents return is rejected, they are the ones who are being inconvenienced by this and will either have to file by mail or seek IP PIN's in order to e-file.