If I amend my return to claim my son as my dependent, even though I do not work and have no income, will my refund increase?

[nhaney4182]

My significant other and I are not married and we live off of his structured settlements. Because of our marital status I can't claim his income as my own. My ex-husband and I decided this year I would claim our son, but that was after I had already filed. When I attempt to amend my return now, nothing changes as far as what I get back and I am confused if I am doing something wrong or if it's because I have no income.

[xmasbaby0 · Accepted solution]

You say you filed a tax return----why ?   Did you file to get the stimulus payments for yourself?   But you did not claim your son on that return?

If you do not work and have no income, the only thing you can get for claiming your child on your amended tax return would be the stimulus payments --- the 1st and/or 2nd EIP payments if you did not receive them.   You are not eligible for any other child-related credits on a 2020 return if you did not earn income from working.

To claim the recovery rebate credit:

The stimulus check is an advance on a credit you can receive on your 2020 tax return.  If something went wrong or you did not get the stimulus check in 2020, you can get it when you file your 2020 return in early 2021

The Recovery Rebate Credit will be found in the FEDERAL REVIEW section. ( you should see "Let's make sure you got the right stimulus amount”)  If you are eligible it will end up on line 30 of your 2020 Form 1040.

Make sure that you enter ALL of the stimulus money received for the 1st and 2nd stimulus for yourself, your spouse and your children.

https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/economic-impact-payment-information-center-topic-j-reconciling-on-your-...

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1901539-how-do-i-preview-my-turbotax-online-return-before-filing

Click on Tax Tools on the left side of the screen. Click on Tools. Click on View Tax Summary. Click on Preview my 1040 on the left side of the screen.

Select your tax year for amending instructions:

• 2020
• 2019
• 2018
• 2017

     What does it mean to "amend" a return?

·         Do I Need to Amend my Tax Return?

Even during “normal” times it takes about four months for the IRS to process an amended return.  During the pandemic and due to the severe backlog at the IRS it is taking much longer—six months or more for many amended returns.  Do not expect quick results from amending.  When the IRS issues a refund for an amended return it will be by check.  They do not make direct deposits for refunds for amended returns.  You can watch for information here:

https://www.irs.gov/Filing/Individuals/Amended-Returns-(Form-1040-X)/Wheres-My-Amended-Return-1

And if you will claim your child on your 2021 return you will get the child tax credit even if you had no income.  

https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/2021-child-tax-credit-and-advance-child-tax-credit-payments-f...

[nhaney4182]

I haven’t filed a return in years, but multiple people told me I should to get the stimulus payments. Then those same people said I should claim my son, which seemed like it wouldn’t make a difference, but I gave it a shot. Now I know! Haha. 

Appreciate your response, thanks so much!

[xmasbaby0]

And you should end up getting the 3rd stimulus check..... if not in 2021 then you can get it on your 2021 return next year if you claim your child on your 2021 return.