Your son will be reevaluated on what is filed, whether it is your return, or his return.
Claimed as a dependent on your return since he is in school full time and under 24:
- He is only eligible for the Family Tax Credit.
- He is not eligible for the first or second stimulus payment since he is 17 or older.
- You may be able to claim a credit for the missing third stimulus payment in the spring of 2022 on the 2021 tax return.
If he files his own return and claims he is independent,
- He may be eligible for the full first and second stimulus payments of $1,200 and $600.
- He would get the third stimulus payment in the spring of 2022 on his 2021 tax return.
If you have not yet filed, there is no need to file your return. Only file his return.
If you have already filed with him on on your return, and he wants instead to file his own return, pay any taxes, and report his missing stimulus payments, then:
- He will now need to mail the tax return since his social security number can only be e-filed once and is on your return.
- He can still get the amounts listed above, but it will take a little bit longer to process.
- Go to the search box and enter stimulus. Click the Jump to link.
- Answer Yes.
- At the next screen, Let's double-check the amount you received, answer No to edit the first-round and second-round amounts.
- If no stimulus amount was received, enter 0. An amount must be entered in each box. When finished, click Continue.
- Wait for the return to be accepted and approved before e-filing your own amended return for both the federal and the state with the explanation that your son is no longer a dependent.
@lcolantuoni14
