Dependent claimed past 3 years without permission

[tstylesyou]

My son's father has been in prison for the past 4 years. Our son has never lived with him, Ever! But he has been claiming our son since 2020. I claimed the first 3 years and this year he took it upon himself to claim him 1st and has since. He is very abusive and has almost killed me. So I'm horrified of him even in prison which is why I haven't done anything and allowed him to do so for the past 5 years. Now I'm fed up! He's never done a thing 4 our son and now is fraudulently claiming our son which he was already. It's crazy the IRS is incapable of detecting the incarcerated trying to claim a dependent. What can I do to at least get my refund and credits for our son for not the past 5 years but at least 3?

[SharonD007]

You can contact the IRS to request an Identity Protection Pin (IP PIN) for your son. Once you receive the IP PIN, you will have to enter it on your tax return when you file.  This will prevent anyone else from claiming him as a dependent on a tax return.

Refer to the following TurboTax Help articles What's an IP PIN? Do I need one? and How do I get my 6-digit IP PIN?

For your 2024 tax return, you can still claim your son and file Head of Household (if you are eligible), but you will have to mail your tax returns.

You can amend your 2021, 2022, and 2023 taxes to add your dependent and‌ change your filing status if needed.  You need to file the 2021 amendment by April 15, 2025.

For more information and instructions, review the TurboTax articles How to Correct Federal Tax Returns, How to File an Amended Tax Return with the IRS and Video: How to Amend Your Tax Return.