Should I amend for 2019? Will I qualify for the Stimulus check?

[a-k]

Should I amend for 2019? It seems like the answer is obvious but I thought I'd ask anyway because I'm not sure what the process will be if I do for a couple of reasons. The first reason is: My parents claimed me as a dependent when I believe I am not, according to the guidelines. The second reason is: I checked the box that says someone else can claim me as a dependent because that's what the tax preparer who filed my parents taxes told me to do. I filed on my own with TurboTax.

I still live with my parents but I am 24 years old and already graduated from college, therefore, I do not qualify as a dependent child. I also don't qualify as a qualifying relative because I made more than $4200 in 2019. 

I'm a little frustrated at this point because I'm a substitute teacher without a job and that stimulus check would've really helped me out with my bills. I can amend my taxes for 2019 but what if they aren't accepted because it doesn't match up with my parents taxes? I know if I amend it's going to take several weeks to be processed which makes me feel a little hopeless. 

Any feedback will be greatly appreciated. I don't know what to do. I feel like amending would be the correct and obvious thing to do but I don't think my dad plans on amending his taxes. According to his tax preparer, we still qualify as a dependent if we're under 26. Please someone, anyone, enlighten me. 

[JotikaT2 · Accepted solution]

Yes.

You should amend your return but your parents will also need to amend their return or your return will be rejected.  You can only be listed on one tax return.

I have attached a link with all of the requirements to claim a child as a dependent.  In your case, you can only be claimed as a student as long as you are under 24 years old.

Rules for claiming a dependent

Attached are instructions to amend your return in TurboTax.

Amend return

(Please note, the IRS is not processing paper returns at the moment due to Covid-19 and social distancing policies in effect.  

IRS operations)

They are scheduled to issue stimulus payments through 2020.  If your return does not get processed in time, please be aware that when you file your return in 2020, you will have the opportunity to report the amount of the stimulus check(s) you did receive, and if it was less than what you were entitled to, you will receive a credit on your tax return in 2020.

What does the stimulus package mean for you?