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New Member
posted Mar 19, 2025 6:19:01 PM

Can I change my status to being a dependent for someone else?

I originally stated that I am not a dependent for someone else when I filed my return. My father listed me as a dependent and his return was rejected. Removing me as a dependent dramatically increased the amount he owes.

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3 Replies
Expert Alumni
Mar 19, 2025 6:21:37 PM

If you've already filed, you can't change your Filing Status.

 

After you receive your Refund, you can  Amend your return.  Here's How to Amend a Tax Return.

 

Your father will need to mail in his return, claiming you as a Dependent.  He won't be able to Efile.

 

@corinnepurple12 

Level 15
Mar 19, 2025 6:24:01 PM

Yes you need to amend your return to say you are a dependent.  BUT your father will have to print and mail his return this year even if you amend.  Once a ssn has been used you can’t efile it again.  So he doesn’t have to wait to mail his return.   

Level 15
Mar 19, 2025 6:24:18 PM

If you can be claimed as a dependent on your father's return then you need to amend your own return to change the way you answered the question in MY INFO that asked if someone else can claim you.  But Dad does not need to wait for you to amend.   Your SSN is already in the system now, and Dad cannot e-file; he will have to file his return that claims you as a dependent by mail.   Make sure you tell him to go ahead and file his return as soon as he has it ready to put in an envelope.

 

 

To amend your return:

 

Wait until your original return has been fully processed before you amend, and make sure you have saved a pdf of the original return before you amend. (If you do not save it as a pdf, the amended return will overwrite the original, and the original will be lost forever)

 

 

See this TurboTax support FAQ for amending a tax return -

 

CURRENT YEAR

https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/tax-return/amend-federal-tax-return-current-year/L7eS6o1qh_US_en_US?uid=lfunevhk

 

Do not expect quick results from amending. It can take four months or more for the IRS to process an amended return.  

 

You can watch for information here:

https://www.irs.gov/Filing/Individuals/Amended-Returns-(Form-1040-X)/Wheres-My-Amended-Return-1

 

 

 

If it is any comfort, you (and your parents) are among many young tax filers who make this mistake.  We will be seeing plenty of posts just like yours.   And posts from the parents whose e-files were rejected....