My daughter accidentally claimed her self as a dependent. She just filed an amendment . How long do I need to wait before I try to file my taxes and claim her?

[AnthonyC · Accepted solution]

Do not wait - you are going to want to paper file your return.  You can paper file your return right now without having to wait for her amendment to be processed because amended returns can take up to 16 weeks to process.  It almost certainly won't be processed in time before the April deadline if it was just recently mailed.  And, even if it is processed, there is a high likelihood that the e-file system may not be updated at all this tax season.

Right now, it is only the e-file security system showing her SSN being used that is preventing your return from being processed.  You can paper file the return and the IRS will process your return and pay any refund owed.  

[retiree]

First, If you have already e-filed the child's return DO NOT DO ANYTHING until it is accepted.  The, it is BEST TO WAIT until the refund is actually received.

Then you can prepare an amended return form 1040-X the change the designation that the child can be claimed by someone else.  An amended return MUST be PRINTED and MAILED --it can take up to 2-4 months for an amended return to be process by the IRS.

Perhaps some terminology/definitions would be in order:
AMEND:- your return is what you do AFTER your return has been filed and accepted
by the IRS and/or state.  (No additional charge)

CHANGE:- your return is what you do BEFORE your return has been filed --simply go
back to the respective information and change it as needed.

CORRECT:- your return is what you do AFTER you attempted to file your return and
it is rejected by either IRS, or state --again, simply go back to the
respective information and change it as needed.

Above all  DO NOT DO ANYTHING until you find out if your return is rejected or accepted.

Second, since it could take take up to 4 months for the IRS to process the child's amended return, and then another 30+ days to update the SSN database info, your only option this year is to NOT e-file and PRINT and MAIL your own return.

It might also be a good idea to actually take your PRINTED return and the amended return, form 1040-X, to the Post Office and mail it 'Certified' with 'Return receipt requested'.  That way you'll have actual proof that the IRS did receive it and when.