@Amyann If your roommate thinks "joking around" with a tax return is okay, see how he likes being reported for tax fraud. If your Social Security number was used on someone else's tax return and you were claimed as a dependent, you will not be able to e-file your 2019 tax return, nor will you receive a stimulus check. At most, the roommate may have gotten a $500 credit for other dependents on his return for claiming you. He could not receive a stimulus check for claiming a dependent over the age of 16.
He needs to amend his return and remove you as a dependent. But that process takes months--it may not even be completed by the end of this year. So you cannot hope to e-file this year. Your attempts at e-filing will be rejected. Your own tax return must be printed, signed and mailed instead. That means, unfortunately, a longer wait time for your return to be processed. Eventually the IRS will sort out whether you could be claimed as a dependent, and your foolish roommate will face some consequences.
https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1900655-what-to-do-if-you-suspect-tax-related-identity-theft
This mess may prevent you from receiving your stimulus check this year, but if you do not receive it this year, you will be able to get it next year when you file your 2020 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.**
