You can still amend your 2019 return to claim the dependents if they qualify as your dependents. Were they claimed on anyone else's return? If so, you can claim them but also expect that the IRS will follow up at a later time to sort out who could claim them and you will need to show that you provided over half their support.
Select your tax year for amending instructions:
What does it mean to "amend" a return?
· Do I Need to Amend my Tax Return?
Even during “normal” times it takes about four months for the IRS to process an amended return. During the pandemic and due to the severe backlog at the IRS it is taking much longer—six months or more for many amended returns. Do not expect quick results from amending. When the IRS issues a refund for an amended return it will be by check. They do not make direct deposits for refunds for amended returns. You can watch for information here:
https://www.irs.gov/Filing/Individuals/Amended-Returns-(Form-1040-X)/Wheres-My-Amended-Return-1
WHO CAN I CLAIM AS A DEPENDENT?
You can claim a child, relative, friend, fiance (etc.) as a dependent on your 2020 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 $4300 (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?
To claim a grandchild as your dependent
When you enter the child’s name in My Info, you will be asked “What’s your relationship to [child’s name]?”
Choose “another person”
a drop down menu will appear that lets you choose grandchild
**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.**
