Can I file back taxes to claim a dependent?

[Hal_Al · Accepted solution]

Yes, up to 3 years (2014 is the oldest you can file and still get a refund). If you did not file, you can file now for those years. If you did file , you can file amended returns to claim a dependent.

How to amend https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1894381-how-to-amend-change-or-correct-a-return-you-already-filed

To complete a prior year tax return using TurboTax you would need to purchase and download the prior year (2014 thru 2015) desktop editions from this website - https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/past-years-products/. Online software is no longer available.. Tommorrow is the last day to use 2016 online software

The money you hear about people getting for just filing a tax return claiming kids requires you to  have some earned income (wages or self employment). Without earned income, you are not eligible for the "refundable" Earned Income Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit.