I accidentally marked "someone can claim" me as a dependent but no one did.

[LinaJ2020]

If your parents can claim you as a dependent on their return, even though they do not actually claim, you would not qualify for the stimulus check.  

To check if your parents can claim you, click here: 

Credit for Other Dependents 

[bloomj]

Do you have to meet all of the criteria? Or just one? 

[JohnW222]

@bloomj

You’d have to meet all of the criteria to be claimed.

[rico7122914]

Any information yet? I'm looking for the same thing.

[nateneilt]

Greetings! My dad didn't claim me as a dependent on his 2018 & 2019 tax return. I accidentally put "someone will claim me as a dependent." I earned more than $4,200 but less than $75,000 in 2019. Will I still receive a stimulus check? I was laid off work because of the coronavirus pandemic. The stimulus check would greatly benefit me like most people here. I would truly appreciate the information. Thanks so much!

[Critter]

Anyone who clicked the box that they could be claimed as a dependent when you were not  will need to file an amended return  ... the IRS stated they will be sending out stimulus payments for the rest of the year as people file returns ...  they may allow it or you may be required to wait for the 2020 return to get the credit. 

Be aware amended returns usually take 16+ weeks to process ... could be longer with the current situation. 

[bloomj]

Thanks for your response, @Critter ! What is your source for this information? Also, if you don’t meet the criteria to be claimed as a dependent, why does it matter what is on your return in regards to qualifying for a stimulus check? Are they really going to read through everyone’s return?

[Critter]

Anyone who marked on their 1040 that they can be claimed as a dependent is not eligible for a stimulus payment ... the IRS doesn't have the time to verify if you actually WERE claimed as a dependent or not  ... they have too much to do right now so they will take your word on it ... their system will ignore any return where that box was checked.  

[nateneilt]

Thanks so much for the info, I appreciate it!

[fanfare]

"go by Social Security number ... " 

What exactly does this mean, beyond wishful thinking?

The IRS processing goes by  looking at your tax returns.

[rico7122914]

I accidentally checked the box that said someone could claim me as a dependent, even though I do not meet any criteria for someone to claim me. I.E. nobody claimed me as a dependent. I will be amending my return this week, but does that mean I do not qualify for the COVID stimulus payment right now?

[Manew07]

I am in the same boat and hoping to get a more clear response to do this. Anyone with more insight or a way to reach someone to get a certain answer to this please let me know. I am 25 years old and not able to be claimed as a dependent and accidentally marked my tax return as someone could claim me. I am amending it, but afraid it will affect my stimulus check. 

[aalanabryant]

Sadly this small mistake means none of us will be getting a stimulus check ..that has been clarified to me. Claimed or not, if we marked it we don’t get it..

[bloomj]

@aalanabryant  clarified by who? Does anyone have a valid source for this determination?

[cjman]

It is my understanding that you will need to file an amended return. Once accepted by the IRS (this can take a few months) you should get your stimulus check.