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What are the implications for our daughter (she filed as independent but was a dependent) if we send a paper file? We know an audit but are there any other penalties?

She is a full time student for all of 2020 and lived with us until October.  We paid for all utilities, medical and household food.  She bought her own clothes and fast food.
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3 Replies

What are the implications for our daughter (she filed as independent but was a dependent) if we send a paper file? We know an audit but are there any other penalties?

Kids do this all the time....a few paychecks and they think they cannot be claimed.....

 

MY DEPENDENT SAID SHE COULD NOT BE CLAIMED

 

Your dependent filed a return without saying she could be claimed on your return and your return was rejected?  AFTER her return has been fully processed and she has received her refund, she has to file an amended return that says she can be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s return.  Amended returns must be prepared on a Form 1040X—which will not be available for 2020 returns until at least the end of March.     It takes the IRS at least four months to process an amended return.

 

 Meanwhile, since your e-filed return has been rejected, you now have to print and mail it in to the IRS.  You will not be able to e-file. You do not have to wait for your dependent’s amended return to be processed. 

 

Remember that when you mail a return, you need to include copies of your W-2, etc. with your return.  Use a mailing service like certified mail that will track it so you will know that the IRS received it.

**Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to offer the most correct information possible. The poster disclaims any legal responsibility for the accuracy of the information that is contained in this post.**

What are the implications for our daughter (she filed as independent but was a dependent) if we send a paper file? We know an audit but are there any other penalties?

And if she refuses to file an amended return?  We don't want her to face any criminal charges and I'm sure she will have to pay back anything she received as a result of the fraudulent file but I don't want it to go on her record and effect her future.

What are the implications for our daughter (she filed as independent but was a dependent) if we send a paper file? We know an audit but are there any other penalties?

Oh no----is she being difficult about amending her mistake?  Did she claim stimulus money that she is not eligible for?  I would not go so far as saying she is trying to commit fraud.   It is very common for teenagers and college students to misunderstand and make this mistake on their tax returns.   We can tell you the tax laws and procedures to follow--we cannot help with uncooperative kids....

 

Here are the rules for claiming a dependent---does she fit the criteria to be your qualifying child or qualifying relative for 2020?     The rule is if a person CAN be claimed they have to say so on their own tax return--even if the person who can claim them does not do so.   

 

 

WHO CAN I CLAIM AS A DEPENDENT?

 

You can claim a child, relative, friend, fiance (etc.) as a dependent on your 2019 taxes as long as they meet the following requirements:

Qualifying child

•They are related to you.

•They cannot be claimed as a dependent by someone else.

•They are a U.S. citizen, resident alien, national, or a Canadian or   Mexican resident.

•They are not filing a joint return with their spouse.

•They are under the age of 19 (or 24 for full-time students).

    • No age limit for permanently and totally disabled children

        They live with you for more than half the year (exceptions apply).

Qualifying relative

•They don't have to be related to you (despite the name).

•They cannot be claimed as a dependent by someone else.

•They are a U.S. citizen, resident alien, national, or a Canadian or Mexican resident.

•They are not filing a joint return with their spouse.

They lived with you the entire year.

•They made less than $4300  (not counting Social Security)

•You provided more than half of their financial support. More info

When you add someone as a dependent, we'll ask a series of questions to make sure you can claim them.

Related Information:

Does a dependent have to live with me?

What does "financially support another person" mean?

Can I claim a newborn baby?

**Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to offer the most correct information possible. The poster disclaims any legal responsibility for the accuracy of the information that is contained in this post.**

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