After you file

Oh no----is she being difficult about amending her mistake?  Did she claim stimulus money that she is not eligible for?  I would not go so far as saying she is trying to commit fraud.   It is very common for teenagers and college students to misunderstand and make this mistake on their tax returns.   We can tell you the tax laws and procedures to follow--we cannot help with uncooperative kids....

Here are the rules for claiming a dependent---does she fit the criteria to be your qualifying child or qualifying relative for 2020?     The rule is if a person CAN be claimed they have to say so on their own tax return--even if the person who can claim them does not do so.   

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 $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?