You can always amend a tax return related to a dependent status if that status was incorrect on the originally filed return.
However, your case does not seem that simple, so let's dig into the situation a little bit more. You indicated that when your son's return was filed, the box asking if he can be claimed as a dependent by someone else WAS CHECKED. If that is correct, then when you filed your tax return and tried to claim him as a dependent, if your return was rejected it would NOT because his tax return is incorrect - it seems to be that someone else already filed a tax return and claimed your child as their dependent.
To confirm between the two situations, check the detailed reason given for the reject. Did the reject reason say your return was rejected because a person you listed as a dependent was:
- Already listed on a tax return as a primary or secondary taxpayer; or
- Has already been claimed as a dependent on another tax return
Based on your question indicating that your son's return DID check the the box that he can be claimed as a dependent, then his return should be correct, and the reject would NOT be the first one listed above. Rather, I suspect you are seeing a reject related to the second item, that someone else (not him) already claimed him as a dependent on their return, and they have already electronically filed their return.
In the past, the only way to file your tax return claiming your child would have been to change to a paper tax return that you sign and mail to the IRS (and also mail any state returns to the applicable state tax departments). However, starting with Tax Year 2024 returns, per the IRS
"If you've verified this dependent's SSN and found no errors, you can electronically file your Tax Year 2024 return if the primary taxpayer has a current calendar year Identity Protection Personal Identification Number (IP PIN). Unfortunately, you will need to file a paper return for prior years. Don't attach any extra information or documents to the return to prove your eligibility to claim a dependent. If needed, the IRS will contact you later by mail for supporting documentation."
I would recommend you contact the IRS and request an IP PIN for yourself if you do not already have an IP PIN, and then you should be able to electronically file your tax return with the dependent included on your return. Otherwise, if you do not obtain an IP PIN, you will have to print and mail your returns. Additionally, it would be a good idea for your son to also obtain an IP PIN from the IRS, so that in the future he cannot be claimed by someone else unless that person has the IP PIN number and includes it on their tax return.
Here is a link to the IRS site explaining the process of how to obtain an IP PIN: IRS Get an Identity Protection PIN
**Say "Thanks" by clicking the thumb icon in a post
**Mark the post that answers your question by clicking on "Mark as Best Answer"
