No. It is not possible to "flag" an SS #. But, it is NOT true that you they have to collect from her for you to get a refund.
This is how it works: If someone else claimed your
child (including a foster child that you had for more than half the year) inappropriately, and if they file first, your return will be rejected if
e-filed. You would then need to file a return on paper, claiming the
child as appropriate. The IRS will process your return and send you
your refund, in the normal time. Shortly (up to a year)
thereafter, you'll receive a letter from the IRS, stating that your
child was claimed on another return. It will tell you that if you made a
mistake to file an amended return and if you didn't make a mistake to do
nothing. The other party will get the same letter you did. If one of you
doesn't file an amended return, unclaiming the child, the next letter, from the
IRS, will require you to provide proof. Be sure to reply in a timely manner.
Winner gets the tax benefits;
loser gets to pay the IRS back with penalties and interest.
www.eitc.irs.gov/EITCCentral/f886-h-dep.pdf
