topic Dependents in Deductions & credits

Dependents

Ingadargan99 — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 07:23:23 GMT

Why would my taxes be rejected by the IRS even if my kids filed their own taxes. They're still my dependents they still go to school. I also put they can be claimed.

Re: Dependents

ColeenD3 — Tue, 22 Mar 2022 11:58:00 GMT

It is probable that one of them claimed themselves as an independent. Check their returns.

Re: Dependents

SweetieJean — Tue, 22 Mar 2022 12:37:07 GMT

or could someone else (another family member?) have claimed them?

Re: Dependents

Hal_Al — Tue, 22 Mar 2022 13:26:47 GMT

There's a box on form 1040, that must be checked, on the dependent's return, "Someone can claim you ....as a dependent".

In TurboTax, he indicates that somebody else can claim him as a dependent, at the personal information section. TT will check that box on form 1040.

Failure to check that box is the most likely cause of your problem. You will have to file a paper return, claiming your dependents. In the meantime, the dependent needs to file an amended return unclaiming himself. You do not need to wait for the dependent to file an amended return to file your return. The IRS will process your paper return and send your refund.

Re: Dependents

xmasbaby0 — Tue, 22 Mar 2022 13:26:27 GMT

Kids often make the mistake of saying they cannot be claimed as someone else's dependent on their own tax returns so start by checking to see if one or all of them did that. If they did that, they have to amend their tax returns and return the $1400 recovery rebate credit if they got it. Meanwhile, since someone's Social Security number has already been put into the system you cannot e-file this year. Do not wait for someone to amend--it will not help you. Claim your dependents but file by mail.

When you mail a tax return, you need to attach any documents showing tax withheld, such as your W-2’s or any 1099’s. Use a mailing service that will track it, such as UPS or certified mail so you will know the IRS/state received the return.

Federal and state returns must be in separate envelopes and they are mailed to different addresses. Read the mailing instructions that print with your tax return carefully so you mail them to the right addresses.