Amended Return for my child

[brianinmaine]

I went to submit my Federal and State return and the federal was rejected.  Turns out it was because when I did my daughters return, I did not select that someone can claim her as a dependent.

I have now done an amended return for my daughter and made sure to select that she can be claimed as a dependent.  I was able to submit the Federal one electronically and then it appears I have to mail in the one for the state of Maine.

My questions are:

1. How long should I wait to refile my Federal electronically? I assume I need to wait until her federal amended is processed, right?

2. Seeing as I have to mail in her state amended, it could take a bit longer and I am concerned it may take several weeks for that to be processed.  What happens if it is not processed before the 15th tax deadline and it doesn't allow me to file mine?

3. Ironically on the State return there is noting on that form stating someone can claim her as a dependent, is that only on the federal form?  If so, then do I still have to wait for the state amended to be processed or just the federal?

Any help would be appreciated

[ThomasM125]

You should wait a couple of weeks to let your federal amended return be processed. If it won't be accepted electronically by April 15, you can get a six month extension of time to file it. As long as you pay in any tax you owe by April 15, you won't get a penalty for filing it after April 15.

Since the state return doesn't mention someone else claiming her as a dependent, it must not be an issue with the state return so that shouldn't be a concern.

[brianinmaine]

So, My wife and I are due a refund federally and from the State.

Since it will take some time for my childs amended return to be processed does it make most sense for me to wait for her amended return to be processed and then when it does, efile my wife and I's federal and state returns?

If yes, do I have to file for an extension even though I am due a refund?  I know in the state of Maine if I am due a refund I have an automatic extension, so just wondering if I need to file for an extension federally?

[xmasbaby0]

Waiting for your child's amended return to be processed does not help you.   It takes months for an amended return to be processed.    You cannot e-file, so mail your returns when you are ready to put them in envelopes.

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 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.

[Vanessa A · Accepted solution]

Yes, if you are waiting for your childs return to finish the amending process, it is best if you just file an extension.  Even though you will be getting a refund, an extension is the safe way to go.  There are no negatives to filing the extension. 

File an Extension

[brianinmaine]

Even after they process her amended return I will not be able to efile?  Again, I will be getting a refund, so waiting until they process the amended return is fine by me, but are you saying even if they process the amended I still will not be able to efile?

[Vanessa A]

You should be able to e-file after her return is amended.  However, it does depend on how long it will take for them to process it.  It can take 6 weeks to 16 weeks or even longer.

If you are not in a hurry to get your refund, you can simply print and mail your return now.  This will allow you to file and not worry about having to file later.  

Do remember, if you do not file during this tax season, once the new programs are open, you cannot e-file the return.  So if for some reason her return would not be processed until November, you would not be able to e-file your 2024 return at all.  You would have to print and mail it.