You e-file your tax return and get an IRS rejection notice stating
that your dependent's Social Security number has already been used on
another tax return. You double-check the number, resubmit, and get the
same rejection again.
Sound familiar? This frustrating situation is actually quite common.
The IRS won't accept an e-filed tax return that contains a Social
Security number already claimed on a previously e-filed tax return.
Typically, this happens when:
- Another taxpayer (such as an ex-spouse) claimed the same dependent and e-filed before you did;
- Your college student already e-filed their tax return and claimed themself before you could claim them on your tax return;
- An unrelated taxpayer, accidentally or otherwise, entered your dependent's Social Security number on their return and e-filed.
Note: If you believe someone may have filed a
fraudulent return using your dependent's Social Security number, call
the IRS Identify Theft Hotline at 1-800-908-4490 right away.
Now what?
- If you claimed the dependent by mistake, just delete them from your return (go back to the Personal Info section), then e-file again.
- In the case of a parent qualified to claim an adult child or
child away at college, whoever files first can e-file. Whoever files
second will either have to remove the dependent (or themself as an
exemption), or file a paper return.
- If the child is claimed on both filings, the IRS will
eventually contact both parties and one of them will need to file an
amended return, plus pay any additional taxes, penalties, and/or
interest that may have resulted from the false claim.
- If you believe that you have the right to claim a dependent claimed by someone else, then go ahead and file a paper return.
- The IRS will process your return as usual.
- Eventually, the IRS will contact both parties and one of
them will need to file an amended return, plus pay any additional taxes,
penalties, and/or interest that may have resulted from the false claim.
