Amending a previous return to add a dependant.

[phustus]

I just found out i can claim my grandmother as a dependent because of me being her primary caretaker. i know i can amend a previous return, but how far back can i go? I've been taking care of her for the last 6 years at least.

[xmasbaby0]

You cannot amend for a better refund for more than three years back.   As for whether you can claim your grandma as a dependent-----that will be based on how much income she was receiving and whether you paid for over half her support.   Being her "primary caretaker" may not necessarily mean you can claim her as a dependent.

IRS interview to help determine who can be claimed:

https://www.irs.gov/help/ita/who-can-i-claim-as-a-dependent

Provide us with some details about how much income Grandma had---not including any Social Security.  And...whose home did she live in---her own--or yours?

[phustus]

So I already know she qualifies. I'm just curious if its worth me amending the last few years and would i get the dependent credit for doing so?

[xmasbaby0]

When you claim an adult as a dependent---they are a "qualified relative" for whom you get a $500 credit for other dependents.  That is a non-refundable credit that can reduce your tax owed.  If you claimed a dependent for 2021, you would also get the $1400 stimulus for claiming them.

[rjs]

You can amend 2021 and later to get an additional refund. The amended return for 2021 has to be filed by April 15, 2025. It's too late to get a refund for any year earlier than 2021.