If I amend my 2019 taxes to add a dependent can I get their stimulus payments?

Forum|Forum|5 years ago
March 4, 2021
6 replies
15 views

I only claimed one of my two children on my 2019 taxes. If I amend my taxes to claim the other (both under 10 years old) will I get a check for the difference of money owed on my return? And will I be eligible to collect the stimulus payments I did not receive for him in 2020 since he was not claimed?

Opus 17

Level 15

The stimulus credit/rebate is only based on what you claim on your 2020 tax return. Amending your 2019 return won't change that. You might qualify for up to a $2000 child tax credit, depending on your income and other credits. You might also qualify for a larger EIC or larger dependent care credit. However, if the reason you did not claim the child is that they did not have a social security number, the most you would get back is the $500 credit for "other dependent."

Why didn't you claim your child before? That might be important.

Mystic_PizzaAuthor

Level 2

I had given his mom permission to claim but she just informed me she did not end up claiming him. She states she made so much it made no difference for her, however it would have made a big difference for me. I would at least be eligible for the dependent credit from taxes. Would I receive that?

xmasbaby0

Level 15

If you amend your 2019 return to claim the child you can get the child-related tax credits that you are eligible for like either child tax credit or maybe earned income credit. Were you the custodial parent? If the child lived with you then you can also file as Head of Household and get the childcare credit if you paid someone to take care of the child while you worked. You will not get the stimulus check for him.

Select your tax year for amending instructions:

What does it mean to "amend" a return?

· Do I Need to Amend my Tax Return?

**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.**

xmasbaby0

Level 15

Amending your 2019 return will not get stimulus money for you now. The stimulus money paid last year was an advance on a credit you can get on your 2020 tax return. If you cannot claim the child on your 2020 tax return you will not get stimulus money for him now. The IRS will not go backwards now to use your 2019 return.