Dependent filed head of household on separate return and my return was rejected

[IsabellaG · Accepted solution]

This means that you will have to file a paper return by mail in order to get credit for claiming your dependent. The dependent can file an amended return to "unclaim" him/herself, but it won't fix your problem, because the IRS will keep rejecting your return if you file electronically.

The first person to file a tax return with the IRS claiming a dependent will have their tax return accepted. If later on another person files using the same Social Security number to claim that same dependent, their tax return will be rejected by the IRS. They will be asked to remove that dependent and refile the return.

But if they insist that they are the one who should be allowed to claim the dependent, they can file their tax return by mail, with an explanation as to why their return should be accepted.

If this happens, the IRS will eventually examine both tax returns, and require proof that you can claim the dependent. Only one person will be allowed the dependent, and the other person will have to pay back taxes and interest, and possibly penalties.

See the FAQ below:

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