@Brich22390 A common error is when unmarried parents live together, If you and the other parent live together, only one of you can claim the child for any tax benefit. The interview is confusing (it's designed for divorced parents, who are allowed to split the child). The second parent should not enter the child, at all.
If you and the other parent live together, either one of you (but not both) may claim the child. You may decide between you which one will claim the child. Only if you can’t agree, do the IRS tie breaker rules apply, to see who has first choice. It may be worthwhile to prepare trial returns, both ways, to see which way the family comes out best. This tool may be useful:https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tools/calculators/taxcaster/?s=1.
Q. What can i do to fix this issue?
A. Your girl friend will have to mail in her return. She can NOT e-file. You wait to you get your refund. Then you file an amended return to unclaim what you claimed. She can file now, she does need to wait for you to amend
Q. Finally who is at fault?
A. "The system". As stated, the interview is complex, but it can handle the situation, if all questions are answered correctly. It requires reading the "fine print".
