@Dorothyshunkwiler This is most unfortunate. Sadly, relatives claiming other unsuspecting relatives as dependents are coming to light thanks to the stimulus checks and the impact it is having on people who had no idea they were being claimed. If your BIL had no right to claim you as a dependent, then prepare your own tax return and print, sign and mail it. If he already used your SSN you will not be able to e-file. The IRS will sort it out. If your BIL should not have claimed you he will face consequences from the IRS. He might decide to amend before that happens if he needs to. But even if he amends, you cannot e-file now.
Do you fit the criteria to be claimed as a qualifying child or qualifying relative for him?
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 $4200 (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.**
